This book is about the Afghan war, as it really was. All events are shown through the prism of the perception of the young infantry lieutenant Nikifor Rostovtsev. Death, blood, dirt, heat, frost and an endless series of hostilities. But the main thing is people, their heroism and cowardice, selflessness and selfishness... Combat experience acquired at the cost of shed blood is priceless. Because the history of mankind is the history of wars. It cannot be ruled out that the experience of Lieutenant Rostovtsev will someday help the one who holds this book in his hands - although God grant us all a peaceful sky above our heads.