Summary

Chapter 19 opens with the reveal of what Hector's note to the criminals read: "You have a real problem there. We should talk." After the criminals open the door for him, Hector lets them know that if they let him go he won't tell the police anything. The criminals don't believe Hector, but then Hector tells them that he knows Eduardo, the powerful drug dealer. The criminals figure that if Hector knows Eduardo and Eduardo's wife, and has yet to go to the police, that he must really be telling the truth. The boss asks to see Hector's notebook, and after reading Hector's so-far recorded lessons in happiness, plus one observation, he lets Hector go scotch-free.

In Chapter 20 Hector is on a plane to America. He paid for a first-class seat this time, even though he knows he can't really afford it. While sitting...