With Nela on his shoulders, Teodoro continues his discussion with Sofía about poverty. He shares his and his brother’s personal struggles with poverty as young boys in Madrid. The two begged for work until they were given jobs at a barber’s shop. The brothers taught themselves how to handle razors. When Teodoro eventually left the barber’s shop to pursue his study of anatomy, he would sneak food from the house where he was staying to give to his hungry brother. When Cárlos asked him one day for bread, Teodoro replied, “Bread? Work at mathematics” (97). Cárlos took this to heart and found a Colonel to teach him mathematics, which led him to his career in engineering today.

One day, the brothers received tickets from Teodoro’s master to see a show at the Theatre de la Cruz. Cárlos got very sick from the show, which meant that Teodoro had to sell some of his clothes to pay for a physician to treat him. Thankfully, Teodoro’s master replaced his clothing. Cárlos’ health improved, and he eventually grew to be a gifted mathematician. Feeling secure about his younger brother’s wellbeing, Teodoro left for America.

Back in the present, Teodoro, Sofía and Cárlos arrive at Francisco’s house in Aldeacorba.