Paul Stojahn spent many years abroad as a fitter. Now he returns to Berlin, no longer very young, and meets his grandson Markus. The news of Paul's return causes some confusion in the family. Grandma Renate in particular cannot forgive Paul for neglecting his family. Only Markus likes Paul very much because he can tell wonderful stories about Siberia and Africa. But as the family has a different opinion of their grandfather, a row breaks out and one day Markus receives a farewell letter.