More than an hour into the Pirriwee trivia night, the event has still produced neither food nor trivia. The overheated, rain-battered room grows louder and sillier as parents drink, laugh, argue about standardized testing, and scavenge snacks from handbags while the Blond Bobs insist the caterer is nearly there.

Jane observes the chaotic party with increasing good humor. Madeline bats away Bonnie's attempts to clean the drink spilled on her dress, Ed jokes about Madeline's tiny clutch, and Jane shares an easy, flirtatious rhythm with Tom. Tom's attention makes Jane hope she is not imagining his interest, especially after realizing he is not gay.

Miss Barnes finds Jane and, while tipsy and dressed as Audrey Hepburn from My Fair Lady, confirms their Monday meeting about the bullying situation. Miss Barnes then vents that the issue has spiraled beyond the classroom: parents flood her with emails, copy Mrs. Lipmann, make unannounced visits, and scrutinize her constantly after Amabella's bullying allegations.

Miss Barnes becomes increasingly candid, complaining about the impossibility of ever being off duty and describing intrusive encounters with parents even outside school. She admits guilt about missing what happened to Amabella, but also insists that many parents are now treating ordinary children's conflicts as bullying. After noticing Mrs. Lipmann watching her, Miss Barnes leaves to splash water on her face.

Tom immediately reappears and gives Jane pretzels, then gently removes a pink feather from Jane's hair. Jane feels happy, tipsy, and charmed by the ridiculousness of the night. The mood shifts when Celeste arrives, touches Jane's arm, and asks if she can speak with Jane privately.