This story from Paz Marquez Benitez deals with something many people caught up in a routine job or coming to a crossroads in life go through: dreaming of escape to an alternative, seemingly more appealing lifestyle. City-based Gerardo has always dreamed of living in the countryside. Recently widowed, he accompanies a friend to inspect some newly opened public land. After a single night in the jungle, he decides that life “in the hills” is not as appealing as he had imagined. Themes: imagination (the grass is always greener), city vs. country life, discontent, enlightenment, acceptance.
Ironically, a young teacher he meets clearing some of the public land dreams of opening a business in the city.
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