On the morning of March 13, 2014, Henry Strauss forces himself out for breakfast in New York, wishing he were the kind of person who starts days early instead of always feeling behind. Still ringing from the night before, Henry considers canceling again but decides he has already disappointed his younger sister too often.

Henry searches for the café Muriel chose, a hard-to-find spot called Sunflower, and arrives flustered after nearly colliding with a man on the corner. Inside, a hostess initially says there is no space but changes her mind as soon as she looks up and promises to “make it work,” leaving Henry briefly grateful for the pause before Muriel arrives.

Muriel finally sweeps in, confident and intense, and fills the table with talk of art-world drama, upcoming events, and her opinions on authenticity and meaning. Henry mostly listens, trying to be present and presentable even though he feels his efforts will not change how he is seen.

Mid-conversation, Muriel brings up their older brother, David, saying he has been asking about Henry. The comment shocks Henry, who assumes David only judges him for damaging the family’s image. Henry checks his broken watch anyway, uses opening the store as an excuse to leave, and Muriel stops him with an unexpected hug, asking Henry not to be a stranger as he promises he will not.