Mary grows up in a village a few hundred miles from London. To visit the city in summer, she has to take a boat across a rushing river; in winter, she has to brave a snow-covered dual carriageway.
Yet despite these challenges, the village is bustling with life. Everyone knows one another, shares their troubles, and helps as much as they can.
Mary is a much-awaited child in the family, but her mother gave birth to her out of wedlock.
Her father is John a tall, handsome man and the husband of her mother’s closest friend. No one suspects that he is Mary’s real father. John raises three children with his wife and never wants to leave his family. Marys mother doesnt wish to break up her friends household either.
From the start, Mary and Jane (Johns daughter) are inseparable, playing together and ending up in the same class at school. From childhood, both girls are gifted with excellent musical ears and begin attending music school together. They graduate with distinction and both dream of entering a town conservatoire.
But after finishing school, the half-sisters’ paths unwind though they still dont know theyre related. Jane leaves; Mary stays in the village. The connection is lost, and for many years, they dont speak.
Naturally, childhood dreams turn out to be just that dreams. Neither pursues music further. Jane studies to become a technician; Mary becomes an ordinary hairdresser. Years go by, Mary marries, has two sons, and only sometimes remembers how close she once was to Jane.
When Marys mother falls ill, doctors diagnose her with a tumour. Mary does everything she can to help. And as all secrets do, the biggest one comes out at last. When Marys mum is nearing the end, she confesses:
Your father… your father… Lean in closer, my dear…
The truth is overwhelming. Mary learns that she grew up alongside her own sister, without ever knowing! No wonder they always shared similar dreams evidently, fathers genes played their part.
To find Janes phone number, Mary must work hard. By now, John no longer lives in the village Jane has moved her parents to Manchester, and the trail is faint. Still, with the help of acquaintances, Mary finally obtains her sisters number.
She dials, and joyful exclamations greet her at the other end. Jane is thrilled to hear from her childhood friend. However, Mary feels this revelation should be shared face-to-face, so she suggests a meeting.
A few days later, Jane returns to her childhood village. The girls have a long, heartfelt conversation.
They reminisce about growing up together and their school years, delighted to be reunited after so long apart. Now, they support each other, make trips to visit one another, and Mary begins to build a relationship with her father.
John apologises to his wife, who forgives him. Now, he and Jane visit Mary, and they also pay respects at Marys mothers resting place. John connects with his grandsons, who are overjoyed to have a grandfather. In the end, their fate is sealed the truth comes out after many years, bringing closure without causing pain to anyone.
