Content Warning: This novel includes racism against Latinx people as well as against Filipino and Jewish people. Sexist language and attitudes are depicted by some characters. Finally, there is the threat of gun violence as well as actual arson and murder. The possibility of abortion is briefly discussed.

At the slough, Beth has to clean up the dead carcass of a harbor seal before she can leave for work, and Jack, her daughter, paddles up, asking her mother if she needs help. Beth uses a damask tablecloth her mother gave her as a Chanukah gift to bury the seal in. The mother and daughter plan to have a foot-long and watch a sci-fi slasher movie later. This movie and sandwich tradition is one Beth worries will fall by the wayside soon because Jack is now 15 years old and has a job.

Lana Rubicon, Beth’s mother, is laying on her kitchen floor, unable to get up. She calls her assistant to have her reschedule her meetings, and then she calls 911. She has an MRI and a PET scan at the hospital, and she must stay overnight for observation. The next morning, the doctor comes in and tells her that she has brain tumors that must be removed.