Debbie leaves a plate of pancakes for Cooper on the kitchen counter, then drives Lexi and Izzy to school. During the short drive, Lexi and Izzy argue over who gets to sit in the front seat, which makes Debbie remember their childhood car rides and their old arguments over who would tell Debbie about the school day first.

Lexi sits beside Debbie, and Debbie notices how much Lexi resembles Debbie at seventeen. This triggers Debbie’s regretful thoughts about her younger self; Debbie wishes she could warn seventeen-year-old Debbie to stay home on one particular night during sophomore year, implying that a past decision changed the course of Debbie’s life.

The ride remains mostly calm, aside from Lexi criticizing Debbie’s driving. When Debbie reaches the school drop-off line, a police car with flashing lights is parked in front of the building. Izzy and Lexi react with curiosity and excitement, while Debbie tries to sound calm despite noticing that the flashing lights make the situation unusual.

After the girls get out, Debbie decides not to drive home. Debbie parks in the guest lot and walks back toward the front of the school to find out what is happening. Seeing no obvious explanation, Debbie considers possibilities such as a bomb threat or drugs, but privately believes she already knows why the police are there and expects the situation to be interesting.