Chapter 37 Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Chapter 37 opens with the narrator and Juanca driving back through the tunnel toward El Paso in a smaller car than the truck they used earlier. The narrator notes that humans can adapt to almost anything, and this time his eyes don't dart around the garage; instead his heart races in anticipation of what lies ahead. They descend into the tunnel, and the narrator reflects on how grief and pain always return despite attempts to distract oneself. He misses his daughter Anita and his wife Melisa, and going home now means returning to their absence rather than to their presence.

As they drive, Juanca reveals his plans for the future. He intends to head north, probably to Oregon, and rent a place for his mother, Amá, so she can spend her remaining days in peace. When the narrator asks why he wouldn't buy a house with the money they've acquired, Juanca explains that as a brown man, he wouldn't be able to get a loan or be treated fairly. He says a brown man with a hundred thousand dollars is still worth less than a white man with twenty dollars. The narrator silently agrees, recalling his own experiences of being denied jobs he was qualified for and fired for unjust reasons, but he stays quiet because he knows Juanca is right.

They pass the tunnel openings without encountering any creatures, though the narrator imagines terrifying scenarios of breakdowns and attacks. They reach the platform and garage safely. Juanca jokes about declaring the money in the pink backpack, and they drive through empty El Paso streets to his house. They park, stretch, and Juanca says he'll put the backpack in his car, then they'll use the bathroom, get gas and food, and head back to Austin.

Key Events

The narrator and Juanca drive back through the tunnel in a smaller car, without the zombie body that had been in the truck.
The narrator reflects on missing Anita and Melisa, and how grief returns despite distractions.
Juanca shares his plan to move to Oregon and rent a place for his mother, explaining why buying a house is unrealistic for a brown man.
The narrator silently agrees, recalling past discrimination he has faced.
They pass tunnel openings without encountering creatures, though the narrator imagines dangerous scenarios.
They reach the garage and joke about declaring the money in the pink backpack.
They drive through empty El Paso streets to Juanca's house.
Juanca outlines the next steps: put the backpack in his car, use the bathroom, get gas and food, and return to Austin.

Character Development

The narrator is deeply affected by grief in this chapter. He misses his daughter and wife, and the act of returning home now carries a painful weight because home is no longer filled with their presence. His reflection on distraction as a temporary palliative shows his awareness of his own coping mechanisms, yet he acknowledges that grief always returns. He also demonstrates restraint when Juanca speaks about racism; although he wants to respond with his own stories of discrimination, he stays silent because he recognizes the truth in Juanca's words. This silence suggests a maturity and a shared understanding between the two men.

Juanca emerges as pragmatic and cynical about the world, especially regarding race and money. His insistence on renting rather than buying a house is not just about finances but about the systemic barriers he faces as a brown man. He is also caring, wanting to provide peace for his mother, Amá. His humor, such as joking about declaring the money, lightens the tension but also underscores the absurdity of their situation. The bond between the narrator and Juanca is evident in their banter and their unspoken agreement about the realities they face.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Grief and Absence: The narrator's longing for Anita and Melisa dominates the chapter. He reflects on how grief returns despite attempts to distract oneself, and the act of going home now means confronting their absence.
Coping Through Distraction: The narrator notes that distraction can temporarily mask pain, but it doesn't heal it. Conversation becomes a coping mechanism to push away memories of his daughter's smile.
Racism and Social Inequality: Juanca's explanation about why he can't buy a house highlights systemic racism. He argues that a brown man's worth is diminished regardless of wealth, and the narrator silently agrees, recalling his own experiences.
The Tunnel as a Threat: The tunnel is a recurring symbol of danger. The narrator imagines scenarios of creatures attacking, and the darkness and silence amplify the sense of threat.
The Boat as a Symbol of Lost Innocence: The narrator remembers Anita's joy over a cheap plastic boat, which now represents the innocence and happiness that money cannot replace.
Money vs. Emotional Fulfillment: The narrator has money but cannot use it to buy toys for Anita. The chapter contrasts material wealth with the emotional void left by loss.
Return to a Home Filled with Absence: Going back to El Paso and Juanca's house is not a joyful homecoming but a reminder of what has been lost.
Hope for a Peaceful Future: Juanca's plan to move to Oregon and provide peace for his mother offers a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 37 serves as a transition from the dangerous mission to a moment of reflection and planning. It deepens the narrator's emotional state, showing how grief persists even after surviving a harrowing ordeal. The chapter also delivers a powerful social commentary on racism through Juanca's words, grounding the story in real-world issues. It sets up the next phase of their journey, as they prepare to return to Austin, and reinforces the themes of loss, inequality, and the search for peace.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does the narrator's reflection on grief and distraction shape his understanding of his current situation?

The narrator realizes that distraction is only a temporary palliative. He acknowledges that grief always returns, and now that he has money, he cannot use it to bring back his daughter or wife. This understanding makes his current success feel hollow and emphasizes the emotional cost of his journey.

2. Why does Juanca insist on renting rather than buying a house, and what does this reveal about systemic racism?

Juanca insists on renting because he knows that as a brown man, he would face discrimination in the banking and housing systems. He argues that his skin color and accent are seen as problems, and that even with money, he would not be treated fairly. This reveals how systemic racism operates beyond individual prejudice, affecting access to wealth and stability.

3. What role does the pink backpack and the money play in the chapter's exploration of emotional fulfillment versus material wealth?

The pink backpack contains over half a million dollars, but the narrator reflects that he cannot buy toys for Anita with it. The money represents material gain, yet it cannot fill the emotional void left by loss. Juanca's plan to use the money to provide peace for his mother suggests that money can have value when used for meaningful purposes, but it cannot replace human connection.