When Aya is just 10 years old, Monika suddenly passes away from what Aya believes was her illness.
Neither Aya nor Monika are aware of the true extent of Alfred's research, but both accept it out of their love for him. Aya's mother is incredibly ill, while her father, in secret, performs research on 'eternal beauty' in his basement with the assistance of Maria. In Northern Germany, 11 year-old Aya Drevis lives with her parents, Alfred and Monika Drevis, and their maid, Maria.
