At dawn, Polly notes Hank’s cold mood and steels herself to “play this exactly right.” She remains resolved that Tegan cannot be allowed to leave before giving birth.

Polly checks the basement, briefly fearing Tegan has died before confirming she is conscious. She assists Tegan with a bedpan, notes dark urine and dehydration risk, and brings water. When Tegan asks if the plow has arrived, Polly lies that it has and promises departure by late morning, immediately easing Tegan’s panic. Tegan requests eggs and bacon and thanks Polly, while Polly silently judges her fitness as a mother.

Polly prepares eggs and bacon for both Tegan and Hank despite her own queasiness, aiming to keep Tegan compliant and Hank appeased. Hank arrives sullen and uncommunicative, underscoring the strain from Polly’s escalating manipulations.

As Polly searches for a way to defuse Hank’s anger, the doorbell rings. She answers and finds police at the door, a development that threatens her deception and her plan to keep Tegan in the house until the baby is born.