Mario is initially hostile towards the newcomer, who immediately proves to be an intelligent boy and soon enters the good graces of his classmates and professors.

One day Mario decides not to go to school and intrigued by his friend's story, he goes to the villa to find out who this girl is.

The two become friends so much that the decision is made that Franco will go and live with Mario's family, to have a somewhat stable life.

Then, on the other hand, the two boys participate in the national cross-country championships: during the races they find themselves against each other in the final.

Franco pretends to be physically ill to hide his deep disappointment with Mario, and then decides to leave with his father, never to return.