Author Paul Bacher prefers drinking to writing until he runs over a hitchhiker, flees the scene and then returns to dispose of the corpse. The teacher Teresa brings him out of his slump and he starts to write again.

Paul Bacher was once one of the most celebrated authors of his generation, but has fallen into a crisis. He lacks both ideas and motivation for a new work. His promotional tours have devolved into drudgery, accompanied by excessive drinking and dwindling attendance at his readings. In a drunken haze, he runs over a hitchhiker, flees in his shock but then returns later to dispose of the body. He doesn't mention the experience, but it moves him to start writing again. The critics are enthusiastic, but the story about the death of a hitchhiker also arouses suspicion.—rsbrux