Mia hesitates to open the door, convinced the red under Eugene’s nails and on his shirt is Adam’s blood from therapy mishaps, not violence. After researching and rejecting the 24-hour missing-person report myth, she fears the unannounced police visit is a death notification. She opens the door, braced for the worst.

The officers say they’re there about a car accident possibly caused by a boy from the house. Mia flashes to Adam being struck and blurts, "Is he dead?" They clarify everyone is fine but raise “child welfare and protective” concerns. The family instantly recognizes the risk of CPS involvement and concludes Adam must be in real trouble for Eugene to have been alone.

Dr. Hannah Park steps forward with authority, explains Eugene’s disabilities and the day’s chain of misunderstandings, and asks police to prioritize finding Adam before addressing the accident. The officers respond decisively, initiating an interjurisdictional search and assigning a detective with relevant expertise. They instruct the family to care for themselves and Eugene while they coordinate.

Mia, usually controlling, finds relief in deferring to experts and notes John doesn’t gloat about being right on the 24-hour myth. Meanwhile, John prepares food, and the family waits for the detective’s arrival.

Upstairs, Mom dresses Eugene neatly for the meeting; Mia discreetly confirms his nails are clean. Called down to meet the detective, Mom squeezes Mia’s hand in reassurance. A reflective aside recalls Mia’s childhood shift to independence—proud yet panicked—which echoes her mixed feelings about ceding control now.