Wreck

Willa is home during the day with a migraine, lying in Rocky’s bed with an ice pack and the Halloween candy bucket they use as a barf pail. Rocky sits with her while on hold with a doctor’s office, navigating the bureaucratic standoff between her dermatologist and the rheumatologist’s office over a referral and lab work. Rocky notices a new rash on her thighs and upper arms that looks like bubbling pancake batter.

When the rheumatology scheduler confirms they still have not received the fax, Rocky tries to have the dermatology office resend it, but the referrals coordinator insists he has the correct number even after Rocky points out the last two digits are transposed. He scolds her for making him retry and hangs up. Upset, Rocky complains to Willa about the unhelpful man, fumbling through an attempt to describe him as cisgender before Willa teases her to stop. Willa’s headache improves, and she returns to work. Rocky calls the rheumatology office again and learns they still have not received any faxes.

Rocky is making short ribs in her kitchen on a cool autumn day when her father enters, drawn by the smell of onions.