Summary

In Chapter 3, at home, Tiny contemplates the terror and mystery of motherhood. Because Chouette is ugly, Tiny momentarily wonders if she has "made a terrible mistake" (73). Realizing she chose motherhood, she decides to accept it.

Tiny’s husband returns home from his trip. He is eager to see the baby, who he calls Charlotte. When he sees Chouette, he grabs onto Tiny. He and Chouette both root about at her breasts (75). Tiny realizes she has to love the owl-baby most.

Tiny devotes herself to Chouette. Because of the grim prognosis the doctors gave the family, Tiny's husband expects Chouette to die. Tiny feels alone. No one has congratulated her or welcomed Chouette.

After connecting with Chouette in the night, Tiny tries telling her husband what Chouette taught her “about love, and forgiveness, and perfection” (79).

Although unsure “how to be [a] mother,” Tiny continues devoting...