Wendelin, a shy, apprehensive and reserved man, learns to know Agnes at the dentist's. Agnes usually manages to get what she wants and is very sure of herself, which Wendelin isn't. She's very happy about the baby, she's expecting but still is interested in Wendelin. Nevertheless, Wendelin, an out-of-work composer, doesn't feel he can cope with her. But he's not the only one who feels anxious. For example, there's nine year old Johannes who does a lot of reading and makes up stories about himself in order to forget his being "a little afraid". Then there's Robert, a computer expert, who tries to find someone to communicate with in cafés and accidently kills a woman with his car... Or the woman employed in the Employment Agency who carefully leaves her desk in order before jumping out of a window, or Leo, a fixer, whose attempt to rob a pharmacy flops, and the cop who chases after him and shoots himself in the head when Leo gets away... And Wendelin, too, doesn't seem to cope with his "being very anxious". While he commits suicide, "quietly and politely", Agnes' labor pains start... Fragmented stories about the big city, loneliness and the need to communicate.