Saul reflects on his deteriorating sexual relationship with Miriam. She initiates aggressive encounters while he sleeps and often continues when he says no, leaving him feeling ashamed and divided. In a dream, Miriam painlessly removes his penis; he feels relief. After a tense confrontation culminates in Saul forcing himself on an unresponsive Miriam, he feels sick with himself. He begins sleeping in his study, keeping this change hidden from the children.

Aaron commits to the four precepts of Kṛṣṇa consciousness: no gambling, intoxicants, illicit sex, or meat. At dinner, he announces his vegetarianism, falsely attributing it to his friend Charlie. Eliza recognizes the lie but stays silent. After Chali explains that illicit sex includes masturbation, Aaron vows complete abstinence.

At the ISKCON temple, Aaron fantasizes about marrying the guru’s daughter. Inspired, he participates in kirtan for the first time. When she hands him a tambourine, he experiences what he understands as pure spiritual ecstasy.

Miriam feels drawn to a nearby house but is interrupted by Madge Turner, an acquaintance from Aaron’s Scout days. Miriam fabricates an excuse and leaves. She attempts to return to shoplifting but finds the mall alienating. She thoughtlessly steals a shoe, throws it away, and realizes that her store days are over.