This short-story has a well-controlled arc. However, I was often left wondering what is main character's central problem? Yes, he does not want to stay in his country and, yes, he is waiting on a Visa. I just wish there would have been more to sink my reading-teeth into.
There were a couple scenes in this story that I enjoyed: First, I appreciated that Alarcon, through his characterization of the protagonist, demonstrates that travel can lead to illness. Second, when the narrator is cold and needs a coat, the host goes to the refrigerator to retrieve a blanket. Genius! I had never read anything like that before.
