In retrospective comments, parents and school staff discuss a petition to have Ziggy suspended. Harper admits starting it because she believes the school is not protecting Amabella, while Mrs. Lipmann insists the school has a comprehensive plan and no proof that Ziggy is responsible. Other parents are split, confused, or sympathetic to either Amabella or Ziggy.

One week before trivia night, Madeline hosts the first meeting of her new book club, partly as a distraction from Abigail moving out. She is emotionally hurt by Abigail’s departure but masks it with activity, champagne, and jokes. Samantha arrives first and warns Madeline that people are talking about the club’s “erotic” label.

Samantha then tells Madeline about the petition to remove Ziggy from school. Madeline is furious, especially because Jane has already told her that new accusations have been made against Ziggy and that Amabella will not confirm or deny his guilt. Jane is disturbed by Ziggy’s odd response to questioning and has sought a doctor’s referral to a psychologist because she fears Ziggy’s conception and background may matter.

Madeline and Samantha agree that the petition is extreme, even while acknowledging Amabella’s suffering. Madeline realizes Thea’s sudden withdrawal from the book club likely connects to the Ziggy controversy rather than ordinary busyness. The social divide around the bullying accusations is now affecting adult friendships and alliances.

Chloe appears after waking up and reveals that the accusations have reached the children directly: Oliver’s father told Oliver to stay far away from Ziggy because Ziggy is a bully, and Ziggy cried. Chloe says she punched Oliver in response, turning Madeline’s outrage at adult behavior into a comic but troubling sign that the conflict is spreading among the kindergarteners.