Isolation

Isolate: to be or remain alone or apart from others

This is exactly how Jorge feels.  He is completely alone and is frightened.  There are attacks everywhere.  He cannot even escape them in his sleep! On top of that, he could "never tell Lena". In his dream, "he was stalked by a man with a gun, a faceless stranger who kept getting closer.  Finally the gun was in his face, its enormous muzzle inches away." I guess all of this is what led to him "needing a time off" (Locations 641-47).

How can one truly live in mental isolation? It would drive me insane! He doesn't share his private life with his coworkers, and he can't share anything about his job with Lena.  What a burden! Additionally, he is expecting a baby and is planning a mission.  I cannot imagine the about of stress he must've been going though.  People's lives are constantly on the line! Any simple screw up could've ended one of their lives!  How can one plan to raise a child in that environment?! At least he "drew the line at trafficking" (locations 656-61).  This story, so far, has allowed me to realize how simple my life truly is.  It has also taught me to be grateful for everything I have.  Others, as shown in this novel, are not so fortunate as the rest of us.