An elderly railway signalman who watches an isolated crossing is about to retire. He receives the news without understanding what is to happen to him. He and his wife go about their daily chores, sleeping, eating, preparing for another day, that is almost identical to the last. They follow out their small rituals, lighting a cigarette, making a cup of tea, threading a needle. They hardly speak, and action is reduced to a minimum. Then a young man arrives to replace the level-crossing keeper. . .