Structure

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Beginning

The exposition of the short story “How to Lose” begins in medias res when one of the main characters, Natalie, wakes up one morning. We are then quickly introduced to the current problems in the main characters’ lives: “her body’s out of whack from the abandoned fertility treatments” (ll. 2-3). Natalie cannot have children and has recently stopped trying through medical treatments. At the same time, her nephew AJ is having some problems at school, and this quickly becomes the focus for Natalie: “…

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Middle

The short story continues with the rising action, which depicts Natalie and AJ’s morning routine: “Natalie believes – like AJ’s therapist once told her – that a busy schedule and a routine are best for grief and trauma, and she and AJ both appreciate their rituals” (ll. 31-32). Despite not openly talking about it, the loss they have both suffered continues to affect them.

Furthermore, they both dislike dropping AJ off at school and struggle with saying goodbye: “They both hate the school drop-off. Saying goodbye is difficult, more so lately” (ll. 36-37). This tension point shows that they have tried many thing…

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Ending

The falling action of the short story is short and focused on AJ successfully completing his swimming lesson: “Emiliano is smiling, and AJ, she sees, has pulled off his goggles and is searching for her face. She lifts from the stands and sees him see her” (ll. 144-145). AJ specifically looks for his aunt …