A cold, damp basement with no windows and one door locked. Dilapidated cupboards where the prisoners put the pitiful but priceless bread crumbs that the enemy army guards gave them. Tired, exhausted prisoners sit on iron beds without mattresses or blankets. This is one of the camps where prisoners of war are held to extract information about their comrades and weapons depots.

Among these prisoners is Robert, a tall, slender soldier who immediately attracted attention with his behavior from the very beginning. He always snaps back at interrogations, and during excruciating tortures when others scream and cry, he remains silent. Day after day, the most brutal soldiers of the enemy army try to find ways to crack Robert, but this nut does not break even under their onslaught, forcing opponents to bite their elbows in anger.

This is the seventh day Robert has received no food, but he doesn't complain. Particularly good-natured comrades tried to give him part of their modest rations, but Robert refused, saying they should eat everything themselves and save their strength. Robert even managed to find a hobby - writing. He stole a piece of paper during another torture session and took a piece of coal from the basement floor where they've been held for about a month. Poems, short stories, novellas - anything to pass the time. On this day, Robert lies on his "bed" as usual, writing a short poem. Paper is scarce, so he writes brief words or shortened letters, desperate not to forget at least the meaning of his work. He hasn't eaten in a long time, so his movements are awkward and his body shows signs of exhaustion.