One evening, in a conversation with Red, Andy says that when he gets out of prison, he will open a hotel in Zihuatanejo, which is located in Mexico, on the Pacific coast. Zihuatanejo, for the protagonist, becomes a symbol of hope for the return to normal life outside the prison walls. Even though Andy has to spend two life terms in prison, he talks about life after his release as if it will definitely take place.
Incredibly, the inner hope helped the protagonist achieve his dreams, despite the circumstances seeming insurmountable. The metaphorical Zihuatanejo exists somewhere for all people who are able to keep hope in their hearts. Even in the most severe prison, the right to hope and believe in the best cannot be taken away from a person.
Indeed, each person must have their own Zihuatanejo; all people must have a guiding light that will help them not to give up even in moments of despair. When I think of a place that could symbolize hope for me, a secluded country house in a pine forest comes to mind. Birds sing in the forest in the morning, and the sun illuminates the clearing. Near the house, there is a lake with clear and clean water.
It is the perfect place to escape mentally when life’s difficulties begin to win. For me, this house would be a place where I would like to take a break from the routine of life and gain strength. I believe that someday I will fulfill the dream of a solitary life in such a house in the middle of the forest.