A film adaptation of the story of the same name by Aleksandr Serafimovich about the participation of young people in the revolution and civil war.

Based on the novel of the same name by Daniil Granin. Engineer Chizhegov often travels on business to a small town, where he meets a woman who reciprocates his feelings. The protagonist faces a difficult problem: he is married, and his family lives in Leningrad. Unable to make a final decision and afraid of losing his beloved, he commits a despicable act. His remorse comes too late—Chizhegov loses the woman who was truly dear to him forever.

Zoya dreams of a wealthy life, but a trip to Siberia changes her plans.