Lera, a former orphanage, is raising her daughter alone. Her partner, who is also the child's father, abandoned her, her salary is small, and there is no one nearby who would support and help in difficult times... Lera's irreconcilable character and orphan's past lead her to a collision with the guardianship authorities in the person of the head of the district department, fifty-year-old Antonina Sidorova. Antonina, counting on a promotion, enthusiastically undertakes to help Lera improve her life. By chance, the girl meets her son Gena. Young people fall in love with each other and decide to get married. Antonina is categorically against this relationship and does everything to separate the lovers. Trying to defend love leads to disaster. Using her power, the official creates real hell for Lera: her parental rights are limited, and her daughter is transferred to a foster family. Desperate, Lera steals her own daughter and goes on the run. They are joined by Gena, who has decided at all costs to reconcile his mother and his beloved woman.