Luke Ellis and Helen Simms pause by an open room near the ice machine, where Luke identifies the new arrival as Avery Dixon, age ten. Helen teases Luke about being telepathic, and Luke explains he saw the room prepared with housekeeper Maureen Alvorson earlier. Helen calls him a teacher's pet, but Luke defends Maureen as decent compared to other staff.

As they collect clothes for Avery, Helen asks about tests. Luke reveals his implanted ear chip and warns against resisting; he shows faint bruises from Tony. Helen declares she will not be hit, but Luke advises against testing that theory. They return to Kalisha Benson's room with underwear and pants for Avery.

Kalisha comforts Avery, who is sweaty and shaken, and has him change into dry clothes while Luke and Kalisha turn away. Helen, dismissive and tired, leaves to return to bed. Avery follows Kalisha's gentle instructions, hangs his wet pajamas, and lies down. Kalisha prompts Avery to tell a joke to settle him; Luke responds with another quick joke, and Kalisha then hushes Avery and soothes him.

Kalisha strokes Avery's hair and, speaking softly, says she is singing a lullaby mind to mind. Avery drifts off to sleep. Luke wonders if Avery lacks intelligence; Kalisha rebukes the idea and explains that Avery's immense telepathy may have hindered normal social cue learning. She likens him to a "Thumper" who has not developed the figurative teeth to handle tough interactions. Kalisha calls the Institute a bad place for someone like Avery and says everyone eventually goes to Back Half.

Kalisha states Avery's TP is far stronger than hers and mentions BDNF as a key measure she once saw on Dr. Hendricks's laptop, suggesting Avery's levels are extraordinarily high. She emphasizes that this was real, clear telepathy, unlike the faint impressions she usually experiences. Kalisha asks Luke to take care of Avery after she is gone.

Kalisha predicts her own imminent transfer to Back Half because she has not received any tests or shots since arrival; she believes Nick is also going soon, while George and Iris might remain longer. She cautions Luke against getting too attached to others, saying departures are inevitable and emotionally damaging, but insists he should protect Avery from abusive staff like Tony, Zeke, or Winona. Luke promises to do what he can and admits he would miss Kalisha.

Before leaving, Luke tells Kalisha he thinks he can help Maureen with her credit card debts if he can talk to her. Kalisha urges him to do so soon, explaining Maureen’s week off is coming and she will then be assigned elsewhere for three weeks, likely in Back Half, where she will not discuss her work. Kalisha dismisses Luke to get some sleep, aware of the effect her closeness has had on him.