Summary

In “Gracias a Dios,” Big Angel recalls of a memory of hitting a man with a club on his head; the man died. He reflects on his bone cancer, and his numerous attempts to fight the spreading tumors until, finally, his doctor informed him that he had a month or so to live. According to Angel’s memory of leaving the doctor’s office, Big Angel did not immediately tell his family the prognosis. Instead he tried to remind himself of his friend Dave’s wise words.

The family gathers at the Bavarian Chalet of Rest. There they had once buried Braulio. Outside, Yndio—Perla’s oldest son from his first marriage—watches from his car as the family gathers at the funeral home; Yndio does not leave his car. Little Angel joins the...