Madeline reflects that Pirriwee feels like a village, with everyone connected through school, sport, businesses, and friendships. At her cramped office in the Pirriwee Theatre, she phones Lorraine at the local paper to book an urgent advertisement for preschool drama classes, knowing the call will likely become a long social exchange.

Lorraine immediately offers gossip and hints that it concerns Renata, Geoff, and the French nanny, Juliette. Madeline first assumes the topic is the bullying petition, but Lorraine clarifies that Geoff and Juliette are having an affair. Madeline initially feels the thrill of scandal, then becomes sickened and sympathetic, realizing Renata will soon be publicly humiliated by gossip spreading through the community.

Madeline insists someone should tell Renata, though both Madeline and Lorraine refuse to be the messenger. After Lorraine jokes about Juliette wanting to take Geoff to France, Madeline snaps that the situation is not funny, then completes the theater advertisement booking and regrets not using email.

The conversation shifts to the upcoming trivia night, where Lorraine says she will dress as Elvis. Lorraine then asks about Abigail's Amnesty International fundraising project. Lorraine admits that her daughter Petra made vague, giggling comments suggesting something odd or controversial about Abigail's plan, and Madeline remembers a strange Facebook comment she had previously dismissed.

Madeline texts Abigail to call as soon as possible, but expects a delay because Abigail is at school. While trying to return to work on King Lear marketing, Madeline grows uneasy and jokes bitterly about thankless children. The phone rings sooner than expected, but it is Nathan, who opens with a warning not to get upset.