Eino, a Karelian soldier wounded in the Winter War, cannot settle into his new home in Häme. He becomes embittered by the poor treatment of evacuees and loses his will to live. Annikki, a hard-working Karelian teacher, helps Eino regain his faith in the future.

Joonas, a perpetual student living in a small town and working odd jobs, wants to spend May Day in Helsinki with his classmates from 30 years ago. His old friends are successful, but they have grown apart and are unhappy. Joonas helps them rediscover friendship and the joy of living.