Nina recounts spending eight months at Clearview Psychiatric Hospital. The official story, repeated to her, is that she overdosed on sedatives, dosed Cecelia, placed her in a running bath, and intended a murder-suicide. She remembers none of it and is told their family doctor prescribed the medication.

Her therapist, Dr. Barringer, diagnoses major depression and delusions, explaining that Nina’s vivid memories of being captive in the attic were not real. On antipsychotic and antidepressant medications, Nina commits to treatment and gradually accepts responsibility for the event despite her amnesia.

Throughout her stay, Andy visits frequently, charms the staff, and brings treats, reinforcing Nina’s belief that he could never harm her. When he asks if she is ready to come home next week, Nina flinches at his touch but forces herself to accept his reassurance. She has gained weight on the medication and focuses on reuniting with Cecelia, who cried during earlier visits when they had to part.

Andy schedules her discharge for Sunday at noon, with his mother watching Cecelia. Although eager to see her daughter, Nina privately dreads returning to the house, especially the attic, and vows never to go up there again.