Typical American

Helen and Ralph are in total agreement on how to close the store. They grow closer than they have been in a long time and reassure each other in this difficult time. Their two daughters are a source of strength, so Helen and Ralph remind themselves how lucky they are. Grover does not have children, they tell themselves, and his life is empty. Their anger toward Grover turns to pity. He has all the money he could ever want but he has no family.

Ralph drives past his shuttered store. He walks around the neighborhood and reflects on how Grover treated him. He distractedly gives a homeless man money, holds a door open for a woman, and picks a puppy from a litter being sold in the street. When Helen sees the dog she remarks that the family is now truly “Americanized” (162). The puppy is too loud and excitable for Mona and Callie. They are initially scared of the dog, but by the next morning they have fallen in love with it. Callie suggests that they name the dog Grover. Ralph insists that Grover the dog be trained.

The puppy attends obedience school. Each lesson learned fills Ralph with pride. Walking Grover the dog is a pleasure and makes the neighbors treat Ralph with more respect.