After a difficult day at school, Avery returns to the apartment she shares with her older half sister, Libby. Libby immediately senses something is wrong, but Avery avoids explaining Principal Altman's cheating accusation because there is nothing to do until Mr. Yates grades Avery's second physics test.

Avery shifts the conversation to work and gives Libby a wad of tip money to help with rent. Libby tries to refuse, but Avery insists, showing how much financial pressure the sisters are under and how determined Avery is to contribute.

Libby offers Avery a muffin, but Avery notices cupcakes on the counter and understands what they mean: Libby has baked them because she feels guilty. Avery realizes Libby's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Drake, is moving back in despite his history of intimidation and wall-punching.

Drake enters, takes a cupcake, and immediately makes a sexualized joke at Avery's expense. When Libby objects, Drake dismisses it as humor and then needles Avery by saying the apartment is not hers and correcting Libby that Avery is only her half sister.

Avery recognizes Drake's pattern: he uses Avery to hurt Libby and keeps Libby trapped in the middle. Because Avery believes the situation will never become safe or healthy, Avery tells Libby that if Drake is staying, Avery will leave and live in her car.