Мinko, a storekeeper in "The Black River" logging camp courts his assistant Sevda. He goes down to the town hoping to be with her on New Year's Eve. There he spots his wife Donka arriving from the village. Minko keeps out of sight and Donka sets out for the "The Black River". The lorry driver Dobri joins her. During the long and difficult journey over the snow-covered mountain, the two are attracted to each other.

Two novels united by common characters and a never-settled problem: the clash between sincerity of children and the heartless pragmatism and ambitions of grown-ups.