Andrey Shchukin has a birthday. He is a prominent scientist. The phone is ringing off the hook with congratulations, and many letters are coming. Unexpectedly, a stranger comes to him - a certain Shchagin, who introduces himself as the real Andrei Shchukin. He talks about how they were confused in the maternity hospital, how the nurse was silent about it for many years and only recently told the truth. Shchagin grew up with an alcoholic father, never had much support, and his life did not work out. And he decided to come to the one who took his place.