Spring

In mid-autumn, Arno Tali joins the Paunvere parish school, newly recovered from scarlet fever. He starts his first day among the pupils and quickly becomes part of the classroom dynamics. This moment sets the stage for his social world at Paunvere.

On his first day, Arno is seated beside Joosep Toots, a lively troublemaker with a penchant for pranks and stories about Native Americans. The two boys begin an uneasy acquaintance that foreshadows the chaos to come. Toots's antics quickly become a defining thread of school life.

Arno walks home with Teele, whose family farm neighbors his own. Teele's warmth awakens Arno's romantic imagination, marking the start of his first love. Their budding affection becomes a guiding thread through the autumn term.

Toots drunkenly attends Kiir's baby christening and causes chaos with a gramophone before disappearing. The disruption displays Toots's capacity for misrule and its impact on the class. Kiir and the others are left to clean up after the prank.

In another stunt, Toots drags a hungover Kiir into an icy bath, stealing his clothes in the process. The prank heightens tensions among the pupils and underscores Toots's reckless humor. The incident prompts concern from teachers and peers alike.

Parish clerk attempts to discipline Toots, but his misbehavior persists. The compassionate teacher Laur can temporarily curb his antics through patient persuasion. These moments bring brief order to the otherwise unruly classroom.

The pupils clash with the children of German landlords from a nearby school. Toots's bold actions tilt the scales in these skirmishes, revealing tension between the two groups. The confrontations foreshadow broader community strife.

In one brawl, Toots brands the German opponents with red-hot fire tools, escalating the violence. The act showcases his fearless, reckless approach to conflict. The incident intensifies the rivalry between the students.

In another fight, Tõnisson endures abuse from the German boys wielding whips. The brutality highlights the power dynamics and the harshness of the internecine conflicts around the school. The episode triggers a response from peers who seek justice.

Tõnisson sinks a raft used by the Germans, and suspicion falls on Kristian Lible. Arno begins to investigate, recognizing the need for truth and fairness. The incident sets off a chain of investigations within the school community.

Arno uncovers the truth about the raft incident and persuades Tõnisson to confess. His intervention helps clear Lible's name and prevents Arno from being branded a tattler. The episode strengthens Arno's reputation as a just-minded student.

Winter arrives and the frozen river becomes a playground for the pupils. Toots leads them to skate on thin ice, and Teele falls through. The danger tests their courage and responsibility, and the group witnesses the fragility of their world.

Arno dives to save Teele, and both slip into the icy water. Kristian Lible rescues them, and Arno falls ill afterward. The near-tragedy marks a turning point in Arno's health and his perspective on his feelings.

With spring approaching, new student Jaan Imelik arrives and quickly wins Teele's heart, making her forget Arno. Teele asks Imelik to play, and Toots drags her into a dance, mockingly calling her 'Tali's fiancée.' Arno, unable to intervene, watches as Teele's affections shift, and by spring the year ends with Arno moved on.

Imelik departs Paunvere without saying goodbye, and Teele tries to rekindle her bond with Arno, hoping to mend what was broken. Arno, now disillusioned by the year's events, has moved on from his feelings for Teele. The spring term ends with a changed dynamic between the former lovers.