In the first of the three periods covered, as suggested by the title itself, two aristocratic families from Negros enjoy the comforts and luxuries of their social class before the war. But this is disrupted by the difficult and unpleasant events brought about by the war. Dramatic changes have taken place in the lives of the Ojeda sisters, Trining and Maggie. So, too, with the teen-aged Miguel of the Lorenzo clan, who emerges a courageous and responsible man, forced to defend himself and his loved ones. When the smoke finally clears, those fortunate enough to have survived, bear the scars of war.