The village of Hassenhausen, with a population of 370, is located somewhere in the Hessian province and has little to offer apart from a motorway connection. Friends Stefanie and Gabi work as cashiers in a supermarket and dream of a different life. Gabi wants to emigrate to America and would even be willing to leave her simple-minded husband behind. Martin, a successful farmer, has his hopes set on Stefanie, but she longs for the return of her childhood sweetheart, Thomas. When Thomas actually returns one day, Stefanie believes that happiness is within reach. The volunteer fire department's celebration turns out to be an eventful day.