Extraterrestrial Assimilation and Satire in Barcelona

Character Profiles

• The Protagonist (Gurb's Boss)

  The extraterrestrial protagonist is shy and dislikes attention, which makes his mission difficult, especially when he occasionally transforms into a famous person.

• Gurb

  Gurb is very different from the protagonist. He is decisive, self-sufficient, and highly independent. He has little appreciation for the protagonist because he abandoned him in the end.

• The Neighbor

  She is a young woman with a child who is attracted to the protagonist. She offers him love, protection, and shows interest in him for a while.

• Joaquín and Mrs. Mercedes

  They are the owners of the local bar frequently visited by the protagonist. Mrs. Mercedes is of advanced age and suffers from health problems. They are both very pleasant and supportive staff.

• The Building Superintendent

  She is a low-income, hardworking woman who tries to maintain order and calm in the building. She is very strong-willed.

Plot Summary: The Search for Gurb

The protagonist (Gurb's boss) decides he must assimilate by transforming into an Earth inhabitant, choosing the form of Marta Sánchez. After Gurb leaves, he sends a few messages but suddenly stops communicating. The next day, the boss decides to search for Gurb.

The Descent into Human Life

The alien goes to the heart of Barcelona, feeling lost in his search. Unsure how to find his partner, the boss decides to immerse himself in human life and adopt their customs. He becomes a regular patron of a local bar where he befriends Mrs. Mercedes and Mr. Joaquín.

The alien attempts to live a human life but quickly descends into drinking and low living. He continues searching for Gurb, but only sporadically. He believes that to truly live a human life, he needs a comfortable home and, crucially, a woman. He falls for his neighbor and tries to win her affection, but fails.

Reunion and Resolution

The protagonist earns a bad reputation among his neighbors. When Mr. Joaquín and Mrs. Mercedes inform him they can no longer manage the bar and that he should take care of it, Gurb reappears.

The protagonist receives a letter slipped under his door and follows the address. Following a series of events, he finally finds Gurb, who has become a prostitute. Tired of the life Gurb is leading, the protagonist decides they should return to their home planet via the ship. He spends all his remaining money buying gifts for the people he met, hoping they will remember him fondly.

The Final Twist

Before departure, he receives a message from their commanders stating that he is being reassigned to a terrible planet. They decide not to take off and instead remain on Earth, now penniless. Seeing their predicament, Gurb quickly gets up and hitchhikes a ride, leaving the protagonist running after the car once again.