Alice steps into the university Yard at night, finding the open air soothing after her earlier nausea and confusion. The breeze and cool air briefly make her feel better as she walks across the quad, noticing the scent of wet pavement and decaying leaves. A sudden, hollow cramp reminds her she has not eaten since before the party, so she heads to the dining hall (Berg) in hopes of finding something she can manage.

Inside the dark wood hall with vaulted ceilings and chandeliers, Alice queues for food and notices a group of boys leaving, which triggers a memory of how Catty used to bare her teeth at such packs. Alice serves herself oatmeal with honey and dried fruit, sits, and, realizing how famished she is, takes a large bite that tastes wonderful—until she swallows. Immediately, her body rejects it.

Alice runs outside and vomits in the bushes, her body wracked with heaves that leave her trembling and dizzy. She crouches on the curb, head on her knees, trying to understand her symptoms. Though ravenous, she cannot keep food down; her throat feels gritty and dry, as if full of sand. She considers a hangover, then dismisses it, suspecting illness like a stomach bug or flu.

As Alice sits recovering, she senses someone approaching. A guy jogs up and steps into the light; his face seems familiar in a generic way. He recognizes her and confirms her name, introducing himself as Colin when she cannot place him. He offers her an unopened water bottle, which she tries to drink, but her throat snaps shut and she has to spit the water out.

Colin asks if she had a bad night. When Alice stands and wobbles, he steadies her with an outstretched hand. Seeing how unwell and unsteady she is, Colin offers to take her home, and Alice, exhausted and unable to manage on her own, accepts his help.