Trevor Stackhouse visits Mrs. Sigsby’s office, where she is reviewing files. From her window he observes the sparsely used East Wing lounge and reflects on how some residents become dependent on vending machine cigarettes and alcohol, making them easier to manage. Stackhouse reports four new children arriving via Opal team the next day—numbers not seen since 2008—and notes one target is in rehab and a high-value TP, though not on Avery Dixon’s level.

Mrs. Sigsby plays a surveillance clip from the snack area outside the cafeteria, pointing out the poor video quality and systemic maintenance problems that plague the Institute’s aging, secretive infrastructure. Stackhouse acknowledges the constraints on staffing, equipment, and repairs due to secrecy, and agrees to push small fixes like reducing electrical interference and cleaning camera housings.

The video shows Maureen Alvorson meeting Luke Ellis and Avery Dixon. Maureen claims the area’s microphone has been dead for years and urges the boys to smile for cameras to make it look like they are asking for tokens. Luke asks about the cafeteria incident, pressing whether Harry Cross and Greta are alive. Maureen carefully reassures them based on overheard staff talk: Harry may have had a seizure and would receive medication; Greta has a sprained neck and likely a brace, with her sister present. She refuses to discuss Back Half beyond bland assurances and emphasizes discretion.

Luke then quietly raises a proposed hunger strike among some newer children to force confirmation about their friends’ condition. Maureen immediately warns this would bring reprisals, tells Luke to spread the warning, and reminds them to avoid trouble. She closes by telling them they’ll be home soon and to “not rock the boat,” then leaves, with Luke and Avery departing shortly thereafter.

After the clip, Stackhouse jokes about the hunger strike idea; Mrs. Sigsby recognizes it as new and likely coming from Luke, whom she considers “sneaky” and ready for Back Half. She plans to speak to the residents en masse, despite the risk that Luke will realize Maureen is informing. She anticipates Luke’s transfer to Back Half by Sunday or Monday, with Avery to follow not long after, since Dr. Hendricks’s testing is nearly done.

The meeting ends with Stackhouse promising to prioritize surveillance repairs after his trip and advising Sigsby to relax, reminding her they are dealing with children. Mrs. Sigsby remains confident that after time in Back Half, even a smart child like Luke will no longer be smart.