Five short stories.
(1) “Czas przybliża, czas oddala” – Edward recalls his unfulfilled love for Anna and, years later, writes to her sister Zofia, mistaking her for Anna.
A happy-go-lucky guy falls in love with his professor's daughter. Although his brother supports him, his financial situation forces him to make many sacrifices in life.
Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual.
First World War. In a largely rural area of neutral Spain, two families confront one another and play a part in embarrassing situations because they don't support the same side in the war.