It's early September. Nine-year-old Anya doesn't want to move from her native village to the city. Her parents are packing: the school year is starting. Anya's dad, the local priest, is celebrating his final services before leaving. Anya confesses to him and complains about her mother. Anya also complains to her friend Zhenya. After spying on a church wedding, Zhenya and Anya sneak off and hold a wedding ceremony among the haystacks, promising never to forget each other. While playing, Anya asks Zhenya to always stay put when she's not looking, so that when she returns, he'll still be there. They fall asleep in the field, and their parents find them in the morning. Their things are packed, and they get into the car. Anya says goodbye to Zhenya. As they say goodbye, Zhenya asks her to go and not to look back. Anya gets in the car and drives away.