Witek Dlugosz, a medical student in Poland, is thrust into a series of life-altering decisions after the death of his father. As he races to catch a train bound for Warsaw, the film explores three distinct paths his life could take depending on whether he makes it on board. In the first scenario, he successfully catches the train, leading him to become an active member of the Communist Party, driven by political devotion and the desire to make a significant impact. This path immerses him in the complexities and moral ambiguities of political involvement during a turbulent era in Poland.

In the second scenario, Witek misses the train but encounters an old friend who introduces him to the anti-Communist resistance. His life then takes a turn towards clandestine activities and opposition against the state, fueled by a quest for justice and personal integrity. Lastly, in the third scenario, Witek again misses the train but instead returns to his studies in medicine. This path sees him focusing on personal fulfillment and family life, attempting to lead a quiet existence away from the political unrest that defines contemporary Poland. Each scenario showcases different facets of Witek's personality and the unpredictable nature of fate, encapsulating the broader existential questions and societal tensions of his time.