The life of nine-year-old Vera, a gifted pianist, becomes extremely difficult on the eve of a music competition. Her mother expects great things from Vera, pressuring her to practice constantly, while showing nothing but sternness and coldness toward her daughter. The music teacher generously slaps Vera and tries to make money by offering private lessons. The girl can barely endure the hated lessons. But how can she cope with her mother's aloofness and unkindness?