Gordon reflects on his father’s and grandfather’s pursuit of medicine and chooses to abandon that path, embracing the order of mathematics and coding. He takes pride in algorithmic trading work at a major bank and equates clean code with surgical instruments, seeking validation through machines. When he announces his job to his grandfather, the man reacts with contempt, ending their meal with, “It’ll always be pearls before swine with you,” while Gordon’s father remains silent. Gordon immerses himself in the excessive, hard-partying banking culture, finding it liberating and amoral.

The narrative shifts to Cora, whose Tuesdays are filled with meticulous cleaning and small routines that underscore her loneliness and shrinking sense of self. She reflects on her estrangement from family and dependence on Gordon, who even controls the TV remote and mail. When the postman hands her mail directly, she opens a letter addressed to her that reveals the death of her mother, Sílbhe Murphy, and references proceeds from the sale of Sílbhe’s property.

Stunned and enraged that Gordon concealed her mother’s death and finances, Cora leaves the house without a key. She attempts to find old acquaintances, Mehri and Fern, but fails. Fearful of returning home and with no money or contacts, she goes to a veterinary clinic, invents a sick dog to get a private moment, and discloses that her husband is abusive. The vet clears his schedule, offers warmth and support, and contacts services on her behalf.

As hours pass, the vet brings Cora a blanket and a cat, Smokey, which calms her, while he coordinates help. Eventually, Della from the Bowen House Women’s Refuge arrives and assures Cora she is safe, taking her to the refuge. Cora departs without thanking the vet, noticing cat hair on her clothes and recalling her youth.

The point of view shifts to Maia, whose extended shift derails her plans. She receives a withheld call: first Cora’s shaky voice, then Della, who confirms Cora’s safety at a refuge and informs Maia that her maternal grandmother, Sílbhe, died months earlier and that Gordon appears to have hidden the news and diverted any inheritance to prevent Cora’s financial independence. Maia reacts with disbelief, briefly defending Gordon, then agrees to a follow-up call.

Left alone, Maia recognizes her complicity in avoiding the truth about her family’s ongoing abuse. When her partner, Kate, checks on her, Maia feels a surge of shame, realizing she has concealed both their relationship from her family and the reality of her family from Kate, presenting an edited version of herself that omits painful truths.