Perry prepares to leave for a meeting and tells Celeste that Madeline will pick up the children and that he will return by four. Celeste observes the disturbing normality of his behavior after hurting her: he treats her as though she has a migraine, while she plays along by staying in bed and accepting his care.

Because Celeste's head pain has become unbearable, Perry gives her a strong painkiller. As the drug takes effect, Celeste grows drowsy and emotionally loosened, and she begins asking Perry about the year he was bullied as a child.

Perry admits that the bullying was very bad and recalls that Saxon ended it by knocking out the ringleader's tooth. Celeste connects Perry's violent adult reactions to the rage of a humiliated child, but she also thinks of Saxon Banks as Perry's childhood hero, Jane's attacker, and Ziggy's father.

Celeste tries to understand whether Perry's abuse comes from his childhood trauma or from something he shares with Saxon. In her fading, medicated thoughts, she concludes that Perry is “not as bad as him,” clinging to that distinction as important.

As Celeste falls asleep, Perry tucks her in and soothes her. Celeste thinks she hears Perry whisper that he is sorry, though she is unsure whether the apology is real or part of a dream.