Bel wakes to Carter prodding her awake and asking to spend the day together because Carter wants to get away from home. Bel says she and Charlie planned to go hiking, but when Bel and Carter come downstairs, only Rachel is in the kitchen making pancakes. Rachel says she has not seen Charlie that morning.

Bel first assumes Charlie may have gone out, but Charlie’s truck is still parked outside. Bel calls Charlie and reaches voicemail immediately; Bel’s text does not deliver. Because Charlie had promised to be home for their hike and does not usually turn off his phone, Bel’s worry begins to build.

Bel calls Bryson Auto and learns from Gabe that Charlie is not working, does not usually work weekends, was not at work the previous day, and has actually been leaving early all week for “family stuff.” This contradicts Charlie’s claims that he had been working late and missing dinners because of the shop, making Bel realize Charlie has been lying about where he has been.

Rachel suggests Bel, Rachel, and Carter go hiking together, but Bel refuses and waits for Charlie instead. As the day passes, Bel repeatedly calls Charlie, gets voicemail every time, and receives no delivered texts. Bel then searches Gorham, checking Bryson Auto, calling Jeff and Yordan, and visiting local bars and coffeehouses, but no one has seen Charlie.

Back home, Bel searches Charlie’s room and finds stronger signs that Charlie may have left deliberately: his khaki weekend bag is missing, his wallet is gone, his truck and house keys are still in the hall, and his passport is missing from the drawer where it should be with Bel’s. Bel waits until nearly ten at night, still hoping Charlie will return, then calls Police Chief Dave Winter and reports that Charlie is missing.