Instead of reading in her car during Ziggy's kindergarten orientation, Jane accompanies the injured Madeline to Blue Blues, a charming beachside café. Tom, the friendly barista, fusses over Madeline, gives her ice, and seats the women with a view of Pirriwee Beach. Jane feels unexpectedly comforted by Madeline's physical ease and attention, while also sensing her own loneliness.

Jane recalls the morning's small adventure: Jane drove Madeline and Chloe to school after moving Chloe's booster seat into Jane's car. Chloe chatted confidently to Ziggy about school routines, and her popularity made Jane's entrance into the school feel easier. Ziggy went into the classroom holding Chloe's hand, happy and relaxed, leaving Jane feeling hopeful that moving to Pirriwee might change something in their lives.

At the café, Madeline questions Jane about the move. Jane presents the decision as a whim after seeing a rental sign near the beach, but privately remembers panic, the silent cry for help in her head, her history of short leases, and her fear that moving to wealthy, beachy Pirriwee was a mistake. Madeline reassures Jane that Jane will love the area.

Madeline then asks about Jane's family situation. Jane says there is no husband or partner and describes herself as a single mother. Madeline responds warmly by explaining that she was once a single mother after Nathan left her with baby Abigail, and she admits she still nurtures a grudge against Nathan despite his later transformation into a devoted father with his new wife.

When Madeline asks about Ziggy's father, Jane gives her practiced explanation that Ziggy came from a one-night stand with a man whose name Jane did not know. Madeline reacts without judgment, which surprises Jane, but the conversation briefly sends Jane into a memory of laughter, desire, and an elevator with the man. Jane says only that it was fun, while the chapter hints that the truth is more painful and unresolved.

Madeline continues by talking about Nathan's new wife, Bonnie, whose daughter will also start kindergarten with Chloe. Madeline resents Bonnie's calm kindness while admitting Bonnie is difficult to hate. As Madeline's beautiful friend Celeste finally arrives, Jane is struck by Celeste's appearance and feels a wave of shame and inferiority, accompanied by an ugly inner voice. Later witness comments point to Madeline and Bonnie's complicated connection, the school's cliques, and the murder investigation still surrounding these events.