Arturo remembers when he was twenty years old thinking he had lots of time to write a book, so he should get out and experience life. However, he has never been with a woman and therefore, his writing is not as inspired as he wants it to be. He remembers trying to be with a prostitute but being blocked by thoughts of the Blessed Virgin and adultery. He imagines being with a woman who will not frighten him.
As he walks along Bunker Hill, he commiserates with himself about being poor, being no good at writing, having dubious talent, and being a coward, traitor and liar. He admits he is claustrophobic, afraid of heights, blood, earthquakes, heart trouble, death and fear itself, but is otherwise quite fearless. Pretending to be wealthy, Arturo goes.....
