The story moves back in time three years earlier. Lucy recalls when the family moves to a new mining town where the only shack available to them is an abandoned chicken coop. Nevertheless, her mother sets it up as a home by drawing a tiger talisman in the dirt. Lucy reflects, “Ma’s tiger is like none other. Always eight lines: some curved, some straight, some hooked like tails. Always in the same unchangeable order” (74).

The family is worried because Ma appears sickly. One night, the girls find her outside eating mud and discarded bones. Their father realizes she is pregnant and probably carrying a boy. He is thrilled at the prospect of a son.

Ba is able to bring in some extra money so his pregnant wife can have better food. While her condition slowly improves,

Ma doesn’t offer a bite to Sam or Lucy, as she once would have. Lucy asks if the baby isn’t selfish. After all, she and Sam didn’t make Ma sick. Ma laughs and laughs at the question. Explains, very gently, that boys are expected to raise a fuss (88).