Chapter Twenty Summary

Marito and Julia shared a successful marriage for eight years. In this time, Marito gave up law school to move to Paris and pursue his writing. He became a successful writer and published many books. Marito's family had grown to accept Marito and Julia's relationship, and many were sad when they announced their divorce. Marito had found great success in Europe and remained living there after the divorce and a year later when he married his cousin Patricia. Nonetheless, he cherished visits to his hometown. Marito managed an agreement with two publications to submit articles in exchange for plane tickets home to Lima. With this arrangement, Lima became Marito's muse.

It was one year, during one of his visits to Lima, that Marito is approached by Big Pablito in the street. Pablito looks younger and better kept than he did during...