Celeste wakes late on the morning of trivia night to rain, classical music, and the smell of Perry cooking bacon and eggs downstairs with their sons. The domestic warmth contrasts sharply with the tenderness on the back of Celeste’s head from Perry’s violence, and Celeste reflects on the exhausting cycle of injury, forgiveness, and forgetting.

Celeste thinks about the evening ahead, when Celeste and Perry will attend trivia night dressed as Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Presley. Perry’s expensive costume becomes another sign of his polished, privileged exterior, while Celeste remains aware of the brutality hidden inside their marriage.

Celeste then focuses on her escape plan. Perry is flying to Hawaii the next day, and while Perry is away, Celeste intends to move herself and the boys into the McMahons Point apartment and contact a family lawyer. Celeste reassures herself that the process will be awful but manageable, and Celeste tries to believe Perry will not kill her despite the seriousness of the danger.

Celeste decides that yesterday was the last time Perry will hurt her and tells herself the marriage is over. The boys run into the bedroom to announce breakfast, followed by Perry carrying a plate like a waiter. Celeste responds pleasantly, maintaining the appearance of family normality even as Celeste privately prepares to leave.