On the flight home from Vancouver to Sydney, Celeste and Perry sit between their twin sons, Josh and Max, after a successful family holiday. Perry entertains the boys with an old fantasy that he can secretly fly, and the light conversation keeps the family calm and happy during the long trip.

Celeste watches Perry with the children and is struck again by his charm, warmth, and attractiveness. The ease of the moment complicates her private plan to leave him, because holidays like this make her believe their family life can still be beautiful.

Perry tells Celeste that he thinks the coming year will be good for them, especially with the boys starting school and Celeste having more time to herself. He promises to do everything in his power to make the year better, and Celeste feels temporarily reassured, allowing herself to imagine staying with him.

Perry suggests that after they get home they should go to the beach and build a sand castle, extending the holiday’s happiness into ordinary life. A later comment from Melissa confirms that the family appeared idyllic on the beach, with Celeste, Perry, and the twins laughing together over an elaborate sand castle, though that public perfection contrasts with Celeste’s hidden doubts.