Vladimir Mikhelson

1998, Nalchik. A Jewish family is in trouble: the youngest son and his bride do not come home, and in the morning, a ransom note arrives. The ransom is so high that the family is forced not only to sell its small business, but also to seek help from its fellow tribesmen.

The story of four friends, former fellow soldiers from Afghanistan, who meet on the eve of Victory Day to see off a comrade on his last journey.

When Nina Klementyevna, a young scientist, created her laboratory, Zoya became her loyal and devoted assistant. Many years later, having raised three children, Zoya Dmitrievna, a laboratory assistant, meets San Sanych, a kind but weak-willed and drinking man. And the relationship with Nina Klimentievna is collapsing...