On a winter morning, a mother goes to waken her son Heinrich, finds his bed empty, and leaves her flat to look for him. The neighbors' door, with a Star of David painted on it, is ajar, the furnishings in disarray, the family gone. She asks passersby, then runs to the police and then heads to the railyard.
Flashbacks show that Heinrich and the neighbors' son David are six years old and best friends. Paul's family's deportation is expected soon; Heinrich's mother tells her son that they're going to Toyland. Heinrich wants to go with them, has a bag packed, and listens for their departure.
His mother realizes he's joined them, and her resolve becomes more urgent. Will she arrive in time to save Heinrich?