Maria, a 7-year-old girl who lives on the island of Ustica, has forgotten her mothers birthday, and only remembers it when she sees her brothers presenting her with two bunches of wild flowers. To make amends, she immediately sets off to buy some irises she had spotted in the market down at the port that morning. Luckily the flower seller still has some left, but Maria only has enough money for one Iris.

Alina is married to Daniele, a famous conductor. While Daniele is away, she finds herself attracted to Bruno, a butcher. One day, Bruno left a message… “Tomorrow morning I’ll knock on your door. If you don’t want me, don’t be there.” Next morning Bruno keeps his word. The apartment door is ajar. He finds Alina on a sofa, pale, bathed in sweat, fearful and expectant. While Daniele conducts his final concert in Samarkand, Bruno and Alina make love in every way imaginable… and Alina will never be the same.