In the desolate region of Besence of the Ormányság, once vibrant homes now stand abandoned and boarded up, serving as silent witnesses to a community grappling with profound social upheaval. The law governing the inheritance of landed properties has given rise to a disturbing trend known as "only-childism," where familial expansion is heavily restricted to preserve property lines. This restrictive legal framework profoundly shapes the lives of the residents, casting long shadows over their personal dreams and desires.
Amidst this bleak backdrop, the birth of children deemed "not desirable" faces systemic suppression through clandestine medical procedures. These illicit interventions, cloaked in secrecy, often have tragic consequences, including the untimely deaths of pregnant women who risk their lives under this oppressive regime. Such practices reveal a harsh reality where the value of human life is weighed against property laws and societal expectations, often with devastating results.
Central to this narrative are János and Julis, whose aspirations for familial happiness are stifled by the prevailing attitudes of their parents and community. The rigid enforcement of "only-childism" means that the hope for siblings, companions in life’s journey, is dismissed outright. Their personal story reflects the broader themes of loss, control, and the yearning for connection in a society where love and legality are in constant conflict.