Luke Ellis, Kalisha Benson, Nicky Wilholm, George Iles, and Iris Stanhope take Helen Simms to the playground and brief her on Institute life. Helen demonstrates strong telekinesis by knocking over chess pieces, outclassing George’s lesser effort, confirming she is a TK positive.

Helen shares that she is not worried about her alcoholic parents but misses her brother, prompting a half-hearted reassurance from Iris before Iris wanders to the trampoline. Helen recaps what she understands: the group’s ignorance of the Institute’s purpose, the relentless testing, the mysterious Back Half, and the claim that memories will be wiped before release.

Kalisha and Nicky respond with resigned humor about coping via wine coolers and brownies, but Helen concludes the situation is hell. The conversation underscores the children’s uncertainty and skepticism toward the Institute’s promises.

Emotionally saturated, Luke leaves the group and returns to his room. He struggles with tears, thinking of carefree times with younger kids dancing to “Mambo Number 5,” which contrasts with their current captivity.

Luke fully feels homesickness for the first time, recognizing that the Institute is not a temporary hardship but a nightmare. Unable to change his circumstances, he cries from fear, anger, and longing for home, and falls asleep still upset.