Ávila, beginning of the century. Pedro, a nine-year-old boy, accompanied by his tutor, comes to live in the house of Don Mateo, a self-taught teacher, who from that moment on will be in charge of his education. Pedro establishes an almost family relationship with Doña Gregoria and Martina, wife and daughter of his teacher. The appearance of Alfredo, as a roommate and study partner, will complete the circle of his emotional environment. The provincial life, the relationships with his companions and the special relationship between life and death instilled by Don Mateo, will definitely influence his future life. Based on a novel by Miguel Delibes.