During the Continuation War, mother Kaarina and son Erkki live at home in a small town while father has been sent to the front. One day the family's life is turned upside down when the father returns home as a deserter from the front .

1973. Simppa lives a simple life in a dilapidated shack with his adoptive father, Aapi, and his dog Peni. Kati, a young hippie from the city, brings a breath of fresh air into his life.