In Athens in 1918, the provincial student Angelos Giannousis celebrates the armistice at the house of his rich classmate Nikos Stergios. The armistice fills hopes for a better life in the souls of all, except Angelos, who proudly in his poverty is tormented by envy for Nikos' riches and jealousy because Daphne, with whom he is in love, seems to prefer Nikos. The illusion of impending prosperity does not come. A new war breaks out and Angelos is severely tested on the front line of the Asia Minor front. Due to the many hardships, he contracted tuberculosis and returned to Athens on sick leave. He will see with bitterness his "smokeless" friends enjoying privileges while his own course, like that of so many other provincials, is common: Misery, poverty and death from tuberculosis in a sanatorium.