In occupied France during World War II, a little girl named Pauline finds herself trapped in a brutal reality after losing her parents in a bombing. Heartbroken and alone, her fate changes when she is taken in by a family of farmers in the rural and peaceful south of the country. There, life is simple, but the shadow of war does not easily fade away.
Pauline, with her childlike curiosity, becomes friends with Michel, the farmer's son, and together they explore the countryside, creating a world of games and adventures that contrasts with the horror lurking outside. However, the sincerity of their innocence is put to the test when they decide to make an altar to honor those they have lost. Thus, the children begin to play with the concept of death, creating an altar with objects that symbolize the memories of their vanished loved ones.
As the war progresses and the atmosphere becomes increasingly oppressive, the friendship between Pauline and Michel becomes a refuge and a way to cope with the pain of loss. However, the sweet play of childhood transforms into a harsh lesson about the cruelty of the world and the fragility of life. This poignant story intertwines the innocence of childhood with the heartbreaking reality of an unforgiving conflict, leaving an indelible mark on the heart of the viewer.