Jíbaro Machuchal inherits a piece of land in Condado Beach. When he arrives, he finds a hotel has been built on his land.
In a small rural town, everybody lays eyes on Maruja, the most beautiful woman there. After the son of the mayor comes back from France, he also notices Maruja, setting forth events of love, jealousy, guilt, and anger.
In a New York hospital, a man is cured of heroin addiction after a grueling three-month treatment. Although no longer an addict, he has complete amnesia: the only clues to his past are an expensive ring he was wearing when admitted, and a book of matches from a Puerto Rican nightclub. He pawns the ring and buys clandestine passage on a boat to Puerto Rico in search of his identity.
Machuchal is a rural healer that uses ancient methods and herbs as cures, obtaining the confidence of the community for many years. After an emergency in which a child almost dies, Machuchal is persuaded to attend nursing school.
