Holly visits the Bowlaroo alley, discreetly investigating a group photo of middle school girls bowling for a health program pre-Covid, and focuses on a girl named Barbara Robinson.
Upon confirming the identities of the individuals in the photo, Holly sends Barbara a picture of a bowling team with a message, asking if she recognizes someone named Cary.
Holly begins door-knocking at Ridge Road to speak with a man named Hugh Clippard about Cary Dressler, entering a world of wealthy Victorians and meticulous lawns.
Clippard speaks highly of Cary, recalling how he often filled in for their bowling team, The Golden Oldies, and revealing some even bought marijuana from him.
The conversation reveals little about Cary's disappearance but sheds light on the members of the Golden Oldies; health issues, deaths, and Hugh's concern about aging become evident.
Holly leaves Clippard's, feeling uneasy about his frantic attempt to defy aging.
Holly plans her next moves regarding Cary's case, while reflecting on her cigarette addiction at the Sugar Heights shopping center.
Miles away, Barbara Robinson struggles with writing an essay for the Penley Prize, frustrated and pressured until she decides to go for a run.
Post-run and cold shower, Barbara writes the essay defiantly across the lined paper, rejects convention, and immediately mails it, feeling relieved and committed to the purity of her work.