After three years of intensive therapy, 37-year-old prison psychotherapist Michael Trenk is convinced that his patient Cornelia Steinweg is ready for freedom again. Despite objections from his colleagues, he prevails and secures her early release. While Trenk has long since moved on to new tasks, he realizes that Steinweg constantly seeks contact with him, needing him as her only contact in freedom, even to the point of abuse: Trenk realizes that he was wrong. His professional career, the life of his child, and his wife are at stake.