Asphodel observes her Wheat Sisters basketball teammates dressed in unfamiliar formal attire at the Founder's Day exhibition. Valeria looks demure beside her parents, Thelma has tamed her red hair, and Ellda wears makeup, polka dots, and gloves while sitting between Pastor Robbins and her father, hands trembling around a glass of fruit punch. When Dell catches Ellda's eye, Ellda waves her off, either refusing help or fearing Dell will worsen things. Dagmara remains transfixed before Allfrey's wall of sky photographs, which range from clear to dust-choked.

The cat moves between the rows of chairs with her tail raised, visible mainly to young children, while adults wait expectantly for Harp Oletsky to explain the strange exhibition. The atmosphere is tense, with one man muttering a warning to Bert that he had better not be joking. The hall feels suspended in anticipation.

Dell and Cleo ascend the oak stage, Dell carrying the silver-covered photographs of Mink Petrusev, Sheriff Iscoe, and his deputy. Following her uncle's instructions to stay silent and serve as 'furniture' until cued, Dell prepares to hold up the incriminating images while Valeria and Thelma will distribute additional prints throughout the audience. Scanning the crowd, Dell notes with unease that no Iscoes are present, and she braces herself, half-expecting the Sheriff's hands at her throat.