Through altruistic compassion of neighbours, Ruth Epstein scrounges for food, and coal for her burner. She hurries through desolate alleys to her flat at Thirty-five Rue Rossini for fear of being singled out. Once inside, she adjusts heavy dark curtains across window casings. August 1944: France is liberated. Ruth weeps.

Ilona Rapin is addicted to the curiosity and excitement of wandering the world which inspires her to write short stories about her impressions.