Shown briefly in 1967 under the title Asya's Happiness (Russian: Асино счастье), it was not released widely until 1987.

Set in a postwar Soviet village during the grain harvest, the film follows Asya Klyachina, a young collective farmer with a limp, who is deeply in love with Stepan, a careless and irresponsible driver.

Asya is expecting Stepan’s child, but he does not reciprocate her feelings or show any intention of marrying her.

Meanwhile, Alexander Chirkunov, a man from the village who has returned from the city, proposes marriage to Asya.

Ultimately, Asya makes the courageous decision to raise her child alone, choosing independence and fidelity to her emotions over societal expectations or material security.