What Do Fish Have to Do With Anything?

Parker, the narrator, is about to turn 13 and celebrate his first birthday since the divorce of his parents. These days, his mom takes care of him most of the time, and he sees his dad only sporadically. Now, his dad calls to ask what he wants for his birthday. Parker asks that he and both of his parents go out to dinner together. Parker knows that he has made an uncomfortable request, but he enjoys putting his parents on edge. Now that he has floated the idea to his dad, Parker will have to ask his mom as well.

Parker’s mom works as a legal assistant. During the day, Parker and his younger sister usually have a babysitter, but Parker likes to give the sitters a hard time so that they quit. Now, Parker pesters his mom, asking her to come talk to him. He then stretches out on the bed and listens to loud music to keep himself from thinking. He asks his mother for problematic presents, such as a tattoo or a piercing, then finally tells her about his idea to go to dinner with his dad. His mom asks why he wants to arrange such an event, then promises to think about it.