Content Warning: This section of the novel includes descriptions of violence and death.

The narrative shifts back in time to explain that Pa first met Mama when he worked at an engraver’s studio in Philadelphia. Mama, whose first name was Elsa, came in with her mother to order wedding invitations for her upcoming wedding to another man. Elsa looked unhappy about the engagement, and Pa had a crush on her. After working on the design, Pa visited Mama’s house, ostensibly to get her approval; in reality, he just used this as an excuse to see her. Pa and Mama discussed poetry, which Mama had been reading since her brother’s recent death. Pa said that he knew Mama wouldn’t marry the man she was engaged to. Within months, she was married to Pa instead.

Mama’s family was furious at her decision to marry Pa because he was working class. Mama’s father got Pa fired from the engraver’s studio and turned the police against him, so Mama and Pa decided to move to California. However, once they got to Ohio, Mama realized that she was pregnant, so they settled in Boneville instead.