The Emperor of Gladness

Four days before Christmas, BJ puts on a show for the HomeMarket crew, performing the heavy metal song she has been rehearsing for her wrestling entrance. Besides the usual crew, there are a handful of regulars and BJ’s mother who serve as the audience, and everyone is shocked by how unexpectedly good BJ’s performance is. Thrilled, she promises she has more secrets up her sleeve for the actual match.

After closing, Hai and Sony make their way to a bail bonds office. Sony is excited at the prospect of being able to bail his mother out, as Hai told him Grazina had given him some money which would be enough to cover the necessary amount. However, when it comes time to hand over the money, Hai cannot stop picturing Grazina, and only hands over half the stolen amount; the bondsman rejects the payment, claiming it is not enough. Hai apologizes to a disappointed Sony, claiming he must have counted the notes wrong.

Sony confesses to feeling like a “loser,” and Hai attempts to cheer him up. Sony shows Hai a photograph he always carries with him of their family, which includes an infant Hai; Sony had not been born yet.