Plot synopsis: Mikhail Ivanovich is a retired man who lives alone in a country house. He rarely sees his adult children. For his 67th birthday, his sons and their wives come to visit. Mikhail Ivanovich accidentally discovers that the brothers are feuding and are simply pretending to be good friends. Trying to understand the reasons for their disagreements, the protagonist uses tricks and subterfuge to keep his sons in their parents' home.