What was Colombia like before Pablo Escobar burst onto the scene? Find out in the introduction to this documentary in which key figures from the era reveal details about one of the country's darkest historical chapters.

In the first part of this series, Carlos introduces us to the characteristics of flash fiction, a literary genre distinguished by its succinctness and ability to capture the reader from the first word to the last.

It had finally happened. Miss Pizarro had offered to drive Kevin home, and now was Kevin's chance to tell her how he felt about her.

Renowned journalists and even one of the nation's ex-Presidents weigh in on what the atmosphere was like in Colombia during the times in which the cartels began to acquire massive power.

Let's listen to a couple of examples of flash fiction stories to better understand what this literary genre is all about. Entitled "Destino" [Fate] and "Soñando despierta" [Daydreaming], both pieces received awards at prestigious international flash fiction contests.

As Kevin is about to make his onstage debut as Simon Bolivar, his realizations about his feelings for his drama teacher, Miss Pizarro, have him close to tears.

Experts on Los Tiempos de Pablo Escobar [The Times of Pablo Escobar] tell about the formation of the infamous "Muerte a Secuestradores" [Death to Kidnappers], or MAS, a Colombian paramilitary group formed in the eighties with the goal of combatting kidnapping as well as furthering the interests of their supporters: Colombian drug cartels, politicians, U.S. corporations, and wealthy landowners.

After shedding some light on the flash fiction genre and providing us with some examples, Carlos finally reads us the piece with which he placed among the finalists at a prominent flash fiction contest in Barcelona. Can you understand any of the meaning behind it?

Felipe and Lucia are determined to fix the damp patch that could be coming from their crotchety old neighbor's home. But will he finally come to the door?

As paramedics attend to the victims at the scene, the driver who caused the accident refuses to cooperate with police.

After reading us his flash fiction story, "Para siempre" [Forever], Carlos offers some insight into the historical backdrop, events, and characters that inspired him.

Kevin channels a multitude of mixed emotions, including his love for his drama teacher, into his moving impersonation of Simon Bolivar in his school play.

Let's continue to examine the context in which Pablo Escobar began to rise to unparalleled power and the way in which Colombian society initially condoned this provincial man who was beginning to amass a drug trafficking fortune.

Eight-year-old María Manuela tells us a bit about herself before treating us to her rendition of one of Colombian folklore's best-known melodies, "Pueblito viejo" [Little Old Town] by composer José Alejandro Morales.

When Felipe and his girlfriend's visit to his quirky next door neighbor's house does not reap the desired results, the issue with the damp patch persists, and Felipe's mother is willing to step in to resolve it.