On Sunday morning, Hannah talks with her mother and enjoys the comfort of their weekly call. The conversation quickly turns painful when her mother reveals that Hannah’s parents cannot afford to travel to Philadelphia for Thanksgiving because of money problems, including a recent roof repair and her father’s need to keep working extra shifts. Hannah briefly considers flying back to Ransom, but both she and her mother know that returning home would force Hannah back into the town where she became a pariah after her past trauma and the fallout that even led to her father being jailed for assault during her last visit.

Because Hannah feels responsible for the damage done to her parents’ lives, she offers to send them her savings for the mortgage and promises that winning the showcase scholarship would help cover her own living costs next year. Her mother tries to redirect Hannah away from guilt and toward enjoying college, even teasing her about boys. Hannah admits there is someone she likes, clearly thinking of Justin, but avoids any bold action and changes the subject.

After the call, Hannah is left torn between happiness at hearing her mother’s voice and sorrow at being separated from her parents. Allie interrupts that spiral by inviting Hannah to breakfast. When Hannah explains that she will not see her parents for Thanksgiving, Allie offers to take her to New York, but Hannah refuses because she needs to save money. Their conversation shifts into joking dreams about future fame, and Hannah reflects affectionately on Allie’s ambition, kindness, and renewed relationship with Sean.

As Allie talks about getting serious again with Sean and mentions their great sex life, Hannah is pushed into an internal reflection on her own history. She recalls the rape that shaped her life, the therapy that followed, and her failed attempts at intimacy afterward. Hannah remembers that sex with a boy she met in Philadelphia and later with her ex-boyfriend Devon never brought her to orgasm, despite attraction and effort, and that Devon eventually ended the relationship. When Allie notices Hannah’s distress, Hannah lets her assume it is only about Thanksgiving, and Allie comforts her before sending her off to get ready.