Dans une bourgade indéterminée du Portugal, un jeune homme prénommé Vicente s´inquiète des absences répétées du père, de ses mystérieux trafics, de sa maladie. Avec l´aide d´une jeune fille, Clara, qui travaille à l´école du village, il veille sur son jeune frère, Nino, enfant secret et inquiet, volontiers fugueur. Bientôt, Vicente et Nino se retrouvent orphelins, et forment avec Clara une famille idéale mais clandestine. Jusqu´à ce qu´un oncle venu de la ville vienne réclamer la garde du garçonnet...

12 years old Miguel is sufferirng the first punishment for bad school reports: spending a few days of his holiday on his aunt´s inn, where nothing happens. He meets Luisa, the maid, who among other things teaches him his first dance steps. He goes fishing with João, a fisherman who is frown upon on the inn. He slowly realizes there are connections between these people that are hidden from him. The arrival of a new guest (Dr. Fernando) is to shake the unstable balance of life on the beach. The guest invites João to have dinner at the inn. From here Miguel finds himself involved in rapidly developing events.