One year after trivia night, Celeste waits nervously to speak at an event for health professionals arranged by Susi. Although Celeste has spoken in court recently, this feels more exposed, and Celeste remembers Perry's public-speaking advice about choosing one friendly face in the audience.

Celeste reflects on the painful confusion of the past year. Celeste grieves Perry while also knowing he abused her, raped Jane, and fathered Ziggy, and Celeste worries that missing Perry betrays Jane and the children. In therapy with Susi, Celeste has repeatedly revisited Perry's punishments and asked whether each incident was fair, slowly working through her self-blame.

Celeste notices the nervous man beside her and assumes he is a counselor, then thinks of Madeline's support and guilt over not knowing about the abuse. Celeste also recalls moving Max and Josh to a new school, where Mrs. Hooper responded with practical compassion. The twins have struggled with Perry's death, expressing grief through anger and violence while still needing each other intensely.

The chapter summarizes the legal and practical aftermath of Perry's death. Bonnie avoided jail, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and received two hundred hours of community service, which Madeline says Bonnie completed willingly with Abigail beside her. Celeste sold the house and properties, moved into a McMahons Point apartment, returned to work at a family law firm, refused to profit from school insurance claims, and set up a trust fund for Ziggy equal to Max and Josh's.

When Susi introduces Celeste and the man beside her, Celeste realizes he is not a professional but another survivor of domestic violence. This recognition changes Celeste's purpose: instead of protecting her dignity with a factual account, Celeste decides to tell the full, ugly truth so the man and the audience will understand. Celeste steps to the microphone and clearly says, "This can happen to anyone."