On Ziggy’s first school day, Jane works from her new apartment while anxiously imagining his morning tea and whether Chloe and the twins are including him. She tries to reassure herself that all children survive school, but Renata’s pink party invitations keep returning to her mind because Ziggy is the only child excluded.

Jane sorts through bookkeeping papers for Perfect Pete’s Plumbing and reflects that the job gives her the flexibility to be present for Ziggy, even if it is not the life she once imagined. The thought of school excursions makes Jane want to become an involved parent so she can watch Ziggy with other children and reassure herself that he is normal.

Jane’s worry deepens as she considers the accusation that Ziggy hurt Amabella. If Ziggy did hurt Amabella or hurts another child, Jane fears teachers will intervene, she will have to take him to a psychologist, and she will have to say aloud her private fears about Ziggy. Jane also worries that Madeline has worsened matters by telling Renata that Chloe will not attend the party if Ziggy is excluded.

Remembering coffee that morning, Jane contrasts her father’s hope that the conflict will blow over with Ed’s warning that Madeline’s involvement may make it explode. Jane compares Madeline to Emily Berry, a charismatic childhood troublemaker, but decides she is an adult now and should handle school politics maturely by volunteering, making friends, and being polite to Renata.

Jane then focuses on her work and reflects with pride that she has supported herself and Ziggy for five years. She imagines constructing a breezy, enviable beachside life on Facebook and considers becoming more normal, even dating. When her friend Anna asks if she may give Jane’s number to Greg, an old acquaintance who wants to ask Jane for a drink, Jane impulsively agrees.

Almost immediately, Jane’s body reacts with nausea and panic, as if a remembered scent has entered the apartment. The sensation is linked to a smell she sometimes detects when Ziggy’s mood changes abruptly, and Jane reverses herself by texting Anna not to share her number, but Anna replies that it is too late. In later interview fragments, school parents trade contradictory rumors about Jane’s supposed affairs, book club, and appearance.