A South London street. Mordecai, a Nigerian immigrant, sells flowers to motorists to support his wife Margaret and two young daughters. The couple await a response from the Home Office regarding their application for asylum. Margaret nags Mordecai to ring the Home Office or do something to help his case, but Mordecai brushes her off.

The letter from the Home Office contains bad news. Mordecai's application has been rejected although Margaret and the children are allowed to remain. The problem is that Mordecai did not follow proper procedure. While Margaret seek help from immigration advice agencies, Mordecai seems unable to take any action.

Margaret returns from work to find that Mordecai has prepared a special anniversary meal. She is too despondent to enjoy the meal and again tries to rouse Mordecai to deal with the situation.

Early one Sunday morning, policemen turn up to serve a deportation order on Mordecai. Margaret tries to resist the police. Mordecai jumps out of the window.