Nina reflects on her rapid courtship and three-month-old marriage to Andrew, who seemed perfect: committed, stable, and ready to be a father to Cecelia. She notes only mild concerns about his critical mother, Evelyn, while striving to be a flawless wife and mother herself.

One evening, after Nina puts Cecelia to bed, Andrew casually comments on Nina’s hair roots and asks for help retrieving work papers from the attic storage area. She follows him up the creaking stairs to a small, sparsely furnished room with a cot, dresser, and a tiny, painted-shut window.

Andrew steps out and shuts the door; Nina discovers it is locked. With no phone and the window sealed, she grows increasingly panicked, pounding and calling for him as time passes with no response.

Andrew finally speaks from the hall, admits he heard her, and refuses to unlock the door. He says she must learn a lesson and asserts control over his house. His calm, withholding stance contrasts with Nina’s fear and confusion, shattering her belief in his perfection.

When Nina demands release and threatens to leave him, Andrew walks away, leaving her trapped in the attic, revealing the beginning of his abusive, coercive control.