Summary

Benito Zamora is a widely renowned doctor in the United States as well as in his native Mexico. Recently widowed, he finds himself in the company of Carla, a young woman who invited him to accompany her to a party in Stinson Beach, California.

As they drive to the party, the doctor wonders why Carla invited him. He guesses her age to be around 30, but realizes she could be as old as forty-two. He also wonders if she is attracted to him or if she simply wants to write an article about him for the newspaper for which she works. His thoughts are interrupted by Carla, who asks him how often he returns to Mexico. The doctor tells her that because his mother is there, he makes the trip quite frequently. He does not mention the fact that he also oversees...