How do paragraphs 28-29 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?

PARAGRAPHS
***Later that day, he smiled at the marines as he left the embassy, clutching his immigration papers under his arm. In a few days, he would be on an airplane bound for America. But as he walked through the flocks of refugees, his triumph felt hollow. All of them shared the same dream, freedom in America. What could he do to help them?

A young boy stood by himself, his thin face hidden by his light jacket. Pal approached him. “I know a secret entrance,” he whispered, “Follow me.” He led the boy to the stairs. “Just walk through and say hello. Don’t tell anyone else about it until you have your papers or they might lock the door.” The boy nodded eagerly. Pal held out the remaining money from the sale of his watch. “Here, get something to eat, and good luck. Maybe we’ll be neighbors in America.”***