In Iranian Kurdistan, very near the border with Iraq, five brothers and sisters live at subsistence level. The younger boy has a serious illness. The medicine he takes is expensive, and the doctors say he only has one month to live unless he is operated on immediately. Despite the efforts of the eldest brother, who takes on lots of odd jobs, the family is unable to pay for the operation. Seeing no other choice, the elder sister agrees to marry an Iraqi willing to help them financially. However, at the border, the future spouse's family refuses to let the sick boy come with them. Instead, they give him a horse, which will allow him to earn a living...