On the sixth day of her wait, Dionne and Dominic arrive in Leawood South, the wealthy Kansas City suburb where Dionne’s mother, Deborah, and stepfather, Richard, live. As they drive, Dionne explains to Dominic how her mother married Richard for financial stability after divorcing Dionne’s father, David-now-Wahid. The marriage allowed Deborah to become a stay-at-home mom who was often busy with social obligations, leaving Dionne under Richard’s supervision. Dionne reveals that her mother had been struggling financially and that Richard had paid for Dionne’s grandfather’s funeral, a fact he boasted about.

Upon arriving at the house, Dionne is overcome with trepidation. Dominic offers his support, giving her the contact information for his friend Shannon in case she needs him. Before he leaves, they share a brief kiss. Dominic unloads Dionne’s luggage and promises to return at 9 am the next morning, leaving a terrified Dionne alone on the doorstep.

Dionne enters the house to find her mother hosting a loud book club party and already drinking. Her stepfather, Richard, greets her warmly, but Dionne meets his gaze with a cold stare, breaking their unspoken ritual of mutual avoidance. In the kitchen, Richard makes Dionne martinis and mentions that he is now volunteering with a children’s soccer team at his church.