3

Sloane returns home from the funeral, sheds Lucian’s coat, and seeks solitude in her late father’s study. Surrounded by Simon’s lamp, notes, and mementos, she finally breaks down, voicing how permanent her loss feels. The doorbell interrupts: Allen Upshaw, a Georgetown law student, arrives to pay respects.

In the kitchen, Allen explains how Simon mentored him after teenage mistakes, guided his scholarships, introduced him to a professor, and personally filled his first-year tuition gap. He shares that his mother is in prison and that Simon and Karen had planned to attend his May graduation. Comforted by Simon’s legacy, Sloane sends Allen off into the snow.

Naomi and Lina, dispatched by Lucian, show up with margaritas and pizza, refusing to leave Sloane alone. After a long shower, Sloane joins them; Stefan and Jeremiah also arrive. The group teases out the origin of Lucian’s luxury coat. Conversation shifts to Sloane’s future: she blurts she wants a family, weighing partner-first versus baby-first, and agrees to try dating apps with her friends’ help.

They outline what Sloane wants in a partner—kind, funny, generous, good with kids and books, and great in bed—while the group banters. Sloane then pivots to Simon-adjacent purpose: using her inheritance to seed a free legal-aid initiative. Naomi and Lina pledge support, and Stef reluctantly agrees to contribute.

As they settle in, Stefan confides he’s considering moving in with Jeremiah but is anxious about broaching it. The evening closes with warmth, teasing, and food, Sloane held by friends as she mourns and tentatively reimagines her future and Simon’s legacy.