Where Hands Touch

Sixteen-year-old Leyna navigates life under the oppressive regime of Nazi Germany, facing constant danger because of her mixed heritage. Living with her white mother, Kerstin, and her younger half-brother Koen, Leyna's very existence is targeted by the Gestapo, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.

To escape the relentless threat, the family moves in with Kerstin's sister, who is reluctant to take them in. This change in residence adds an additional layer of tension as they try to find safety while navigating family dynamics strained by external pressures.

A pivotal moment occurs when Lutz, a member of the Hitler Youth, accidentally knocks Leyna down on his bicycle. This encounter sparks an uncomfortable yet intriguing relationship, setting the stage for deeper emotional connections as they navigate the complexities of their worlds.

As Leyna faces the harsh realities of her situation, she is expelled from school, adding to her feelings of isolation. Her mother, Kerstin, secures her a job at a factory, which inadvertently allows Lutz to see her more often as he rides by, further complicating their growing relationship.

Amidst the turmoil, Koen is drawn into the Hitler Youth, succumbing to the hateful ideologies that pervade their environment. His decision alienates him from Leyna, creating a rift between the siblings as he increasingly turns against her.

Leyna and Lutz's relationship deepens, culminating in a secret kiss that solidifies their bond. However, their romance is fraught with danger as the realities of war threaten to pull them apart.

With Nazi soldiers conducting random searches, Lutz takes the risk of hiding Leyna in his home to protect her. This act of bravery underscores the lengths they are willing to go to preserve their relationship amidst chaos.

Tragedy strikes as soldiers mistakenly capture Kerstin, believing they are arresting Leyna. This traumatic event leaves Leyna and Koen vulnerable and intensifies their sense of loss and fear.

In the wake of their mother's capture, Koen's grief transforms into anger directed at Leyna, blaming her for their mother's fate. As they struggle to survive with their Aryan aunt, the siblings' relationship is deeply strained.

Leyna is sent to a labor camp, where she discovers she is pregnant, a reality that poses a significant threat to her life. The possibility of forced sterilization for someone in her situation adds to her desperation as she hides this secret.

In a cruel twist of fate, Leyna encounters Lutz, who has been assigned as a guard at the labor camp. Their reunion is filled with a mix of joy and dread, as Lutz realizes the perilous situation Leyna faces and pleads with her to escape.

An unexpected American bombing creates chaos and sparks hope for an escape from their grim reality. However, tragedy follows as Lutz is caught and killed by his own father, who is desperate to keep them apart.

In the aftermath of Lutz's death, Leyna is immobilized by shock and grief, grappling with her profound loss. This moment marks a pivotal point in her journey as she faces the reality of her circumstances.

Just when Leyna feels utterly lost, an American soldier arrives to lead her away from the chaos of the camp. This moment signifies a glimmer of hope and a potential new beginning for Leyna.

Seven weeks later, Leyna, now heavily pregnant, finds herself in an American displacement camp. In a miraculous turn of events, she reunites with her mother, Kerstin, and her brother, Koen, bringing a sense of hope amidst the shattered remnants of their lives.