The story begins at La Gavia, a sixteenth century estate near Mexico City. Dr. Julio Morelos, the family doctor, has been called to see the owner of the estate, don Fernando Castillo Saavedra. Don Fernando is very ill and very old. He has three sons and a daughter. One son, Ramón, and the daughter, Mercedes, live in La Gavia. Another son, Carlos, lives in Miami. The remaining son, Juan, lives in New York. He is a professor of literature at the university. Don Fernando's wife, Carmen, is dead.
Don Fernando, aware that his life is coming to an end, is worried about resolving a secret from his past in Spain. While looking at old photos, he recalls his days in Spain during the Civil War. He decides to call his children and his brother together for a meeting at La Gavia. He has received a letter that pertains to his secret.
