When Doreen met Monty Longbaugh at a radio station in Philadelphia, she was glad to have found someone who loved her. After five short weeks, the two marry and move in together. The Great Depression and the dust bowl make life difficult for most families in Philadelphia, but for Doreen, the everyday tasks of a housewife are what really weigh on her. One day, Doreen finds out she's pregnant, and is relieved that she can finally stop cleaning and cooking every night. Monty agrees to take over the housekeeping. Doreen gives birth to a baby girl, who Monty names Edna Arlene. Edna is a colicky baby, and Doreen quickly becomes exhausted. One day, Edna leaves the screaming baby at home alone and walks ten blocks before she turns around to go back. A few years later, on a hot summer day, Doreen takes Edna Arlene to the watermelon festival in town. Edna Arlene goes to play with some friends, and Doreen takes the opportunity to have some alone time at the local diner. There, Doreen talks to a young man, and flirts with him a bit. Eventually, she goes back to the festival, where she finds that Edna Arlene has wet herself with fear that her mother left her there. Doreen bathes her in the fountain and takes Edna Arlene home. When they arrive home, Doreen tells Monty that she's pregnant again, and that she is going to consider abortion. Monty doesn't know how to react, and Doreen leaves the house to clear her mind. When she returns, Monty sings her a song from the Happiness Boys, and the two make up.