Turkey. Basri, a widower little out of retirement, walks every day along the railroad tracks to check the status. Aside from his work, his only thought is to have news of his son, who's been missing for many years, after he was arrested during student demonstrations in Istanbul. Basri continues to write to the authorities without response; he's often questioned by the Commissioner (Muhammet Uzuner), he bears and wait. The young, stupid Cimel (Tansu Bicer) teases him. Basri surprises him to rape a woman and hits him; Cimel threats him so that he does not reveal anything. Basri has seizures, while Cimel, often drunk, dies under a train just before his eyes. Regretted not having saved the young, Basri finally receives the Commissioner's visit, announcing the discovery of the remains of his son ....