"Lather and Nothing Else" is a short story by Hernando Tellez that explores the theme of trust and loyalty. The story is set in Colombia during a time of political unrest, and it follows the actions of a barber named Paco as he tries to navigate a difficult situation.
At the beginning of the story, Paco is approached by a group of soldiers who are looking for a rebel leader who is rumored to be hiding in the town. The soldiers ask Paco if he has seen the rebel, and Paco tells them that he has not. The soldiers do not believe him and threaten to kill him if he is lying. Paco is terrified, but he remains loyal to the rebel and does not reveal his whereabouts.
As Paco works on the soldiers' hair, he begins to feel a sense of dread and fear. He knows that the soldiers are dangerous and that they will not hesitate to kill him if they suspect that he is hiding something from them. Despite this, Paco remains determined to protect the rebel and keep his whereabouts a secret.
As the story progresses, the tension between Paco and the soldiers increases. The soldiers become more and more suspicious of Paco, and they begin to threaten him with violence. Paco remains calm and collected, however, and he continues to deny knowing the rebel's whereabouts.
In the end, Paco's loyalty and trust are tested to their limits. The soldiers become increasingly violent and aggressive, and Paco is forced to make a decision about whether to reveal the rebel's location or to remain silent and protect him. In the end, Paco chooses to remain loyal and protect the rebel, even though it means risking his own life.
Through the character of Paco, "Lather and Nothing Else" explores the theme of trust and loyalty in a difficult and dangerous situation. The story shows that loyalty and trust can be difficult to maintain when faced with threats and violence, but that they are essential values that should be upheld no matter what. The story also highlights the importance of standing up for what one believes in, even in the face of danger.
