Tegan wakes at 8 p.m. in the snow-sealed basement to the thud and shouting of Hank upstairs. Terrified he might come down, she remains still until his footsteps fade. Groggy and parched, she wonders if something in her lunch made her sleep so long and considers Hank capable of it.

Finding a cold dinner by her bed but urgently needing the bedpan, Tegan calls for Polly. Polly arrives—exhausted, with dark circles—and calmly helps after Tegan leaks a little. Tegan praises Polly’s nurturing nature and admits fears about motherhood. When Tegan asks to go to the hospital, Polly says the plow is delayed and phones are still down, avoiding eye contact and prompting Tegan’s suspicion.

A small movement sends blinding pain through Tegan’s ankle. She begs to leave, crying that she may lose the pregnancy, while Polly promises morning transport but sounds uncertain when asked if Hank is forcing the story. Trying to help, Polly suggests removing the boot; Tegan refuses, so Polly proposes cutting off the filthy pants instead.

Polly uses shears to remove the pants, revealing extensive swelling and pinkness in Tegan’s left leg, with pain centered at the ankle. Tegan realizes the injury is likely a serious fracture that could heal improperly without urgent care. Though she feels the baby move and clings to hope for tomorrow, the repeated delays and Hank’s dominance leave her convinced she might not get out—and she fears she could die there.