Summary

In “My Parents and My Children,” Marga demands to know why her ex-husband Javier’s parents are “running naked in the backyard” (27). She is worried her boyfriend Charly will return “from the store with the kids” and see them (27). Javier is unconcerned. He also wants Marga to explain who Charly is, though he already knows. Javier tells Marga she is the one who “wanted the kids to see their grandparents” and arranged for them all to stay at this rental just 300 kilometers from his house (28).

While Marga responds, Javier watches his father spray his mother with the hose (28). He blames his parents’ behavior on the changed environment and the outdoors. Marga is upset because this is the first time Javier has seen the kids in months. She is desperate “to leave...