Arriving in Goriano, Aldo finds the town in ferment over the construction of a military airfield which the inhabitants object to, and those at work leave their jobs to join the protest. Aldo spots Rosina entering Irma's house and through the window sees that she is content with a new baby and living a better life. As he turns to go, Irma notices him outside and follows him to the refinery which the workers have just quitted. Filled with despair, Aldo climbs to the top of the refinery tower where he once worked. From the ground Irma calls up to him, and he turns and sees her down below. Appearing weak and disoriented, Aldo falls to his death as Irma cries out in despair. She kneels over his dead body.