A life of a driver Stephan Chekmenev turns out to be very lucky: healthy children, loving wife, solid loghouse. But once his fellow-villager perishes in a forest. And Chekmenev, considering himself to be the one to blame, in expectation of an imminent retribution, tries to understand: why and when did he, once having so many friends, become so indifferent towards other peoples lives.

Spring, 1945. Sasha, who lost her parents, goes to the village of Vyselki to find her aunt there. Her last hope for the existence of a loved one does not come true. But acquaintance with ordinary residents of the village, an unexpected love for the forester and a first feeling of joy from the necessary work return the girl the thirst for life.