Chapter 3 Summary

In the days after Auntie Du's funeral, Winnie reflects on her long and contentious relationship with Helen, who thinks she makes good decisions, but is only lucky. They have been eating funeral leftovers for five days when Winnie insists they go grocery shopping.

At the Happy Super, Helen picks a fish from the bargain bin for only a dollar sixty-nine a pound. Winnie protests, pointing out that the fish is three days old and shows all signs of spoilage. Helen buys and cooks it. It is sweet and tender. A perfect example of luck, Winnie thinks, not a good decision.

The fish reminds Winnie of another fish she bought many years ago as a special treat for her beloved husband. It was a lucky fish and she had good news. Jimmy swallowed a bone with his first bite and had to have an...