Sixteen-year-old Andrei Eremin considered himself a person who did not depend on the opinion of the majority, and was proud of it. And he had few friends. One day his imaginary independence collapsed - he believed slander and committed an act unworthy of a man - he easily believed the gossip spread by his classmates about Rita, with whom he had warm friendly relations, and even hastened to assure that he was indifferent to her. Having accidentally overheard a conversation between his comrades about himself, in which Valerka, his best friend, took part, he quarreled with him too. Time has passed. Rita, who was painfully experiencing a break with Andrei, found support, tenderness and understanding in Valerka, Eremin’s friend, he is simpler, without ambitions, but much more reliable and generous in spirit. And yet, after this story, a feeling of bitterness remained with them too - after all, Andrei was once their friend...

Vladmir Bobylev goes on leave for his 60th anniversary. He takes his wife and son and heads for his native town Kholmy, where he stops with his family at his battle comrade, who suggests a trip to their battle places. The old man agrees almost without hesitation, for after the war hes never been there. They get acquainted with German tourists, and it turns out that one of them also fought here as an officer in the Army of fascist general Paulus.