A small village in the mountains. The wedding is over. Kalina and Stoyko have started their married life. The young couple leads a quiet life. After a year, a boy is born to them. A passing herd of buffaloes tramples the child to death. In his anguish, Stoyko takes to drinking, neglects his farm and often beats Kalina. Her brother tries to put some sense to him but Stoyko attacks him and pushes him from a high cliff. Kalina's brother loses his mind because of a fall. Kalina expects another child. The news transforms Stoyko. Kalina dies in childbirth. Stoyko leaves alone to look after his son.