Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses pregnancy loss.

An omniscient third-person narrator introduces protagonist Edith Magnusson as a humble, working-class woman nearing retirement. Happily married to Stanley Magnusson for 44 years, Edith has two children, Eugene Magnusson and Colleen Winter, and a granddaughter, Diana Winter. Edith works as a dietary aide at St. Anthony-Waterside Nursing Home, where she enjoys making homemade pies for the residents. Edith’s pies have received extensive praise over her 37-year career at the Minnesota nursing home, and Edith feels fulfilled knowing she provides the residents with delicious treats as they near life’s end.

Diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2003, Stanley retires from his job as a delivery driver. Edith does not fret about the couple’s lessened income, as she and Stanley lived off a tight budget their entire lives. Diana, 12 years old, visits Edith and Stanley for a week in August. While Stanley enjoys the company of his granddaughter full-time, he experiences a few mental lapses that cause Edith to worry for his and Diana’s safety. On one occasion, Stanley takes Diana to the Elk’s Lodge and purchases a six-pack of Blotz beer, giving one to Diana.