"Mnh... ...Perhaps, you are correct about the...rug thing," he admits, not entirely sure he's understanding the metaphor properly. Stupid ESL struggles,

(Or is it 'E-T-L' for him??? ...Third language???)

"Auhh... ...th... ...Thank you, Héctor," he starts honestly, taking a chair. "Auh...do you have a spare book, or..."