Rocky searches the cottage medicine cabinet for poison ivy scrub for Willa, who brushed against poison ivy while picking blackberries on the walk back from the pond. Willa, scrolling on her phone, decides a washcloth and soap will do, mocking capitalism. As Willa scrubs in the bath, Rocky recalls their cat Chicken's kittenhood antics in this same bathroom, and silently admits Chicken would be one of her picks for eternal life.

In the kitchen, Jamie blends frozen coconut mojitos for happy hour. Willa asks to borrow the car to meet "Surf-shop Callie," hinting at a romantic interest. On the deck with bluefish pâté and Brie, Jamie teases Willa about her selective vegetarianism (clams yes, bluefish no), and she defends it with a Charlotte's Web-style joke. Rocky quietly checks whether Maya is drinking, and is reassured.

Rocky reflects at length on the evolving stages of vacationing with children: the chaotic baby and toddler years drowning in paraphernalia and meltdowns; the sweeter middle-childhood years of sandcastles and early bedtimes; and the surly but funny teen years. She marvels that this current stage—grown kids who mix drinks, cook, and tell stories—has turned out far better than she and Nick could have imagined during the harder years.

The family discusses changes to the rental cottage's furniture over the years, bonding over their shared affection for the pointless old bamboo coffee table and shared dislike of new beachy decor. Rocky observes that complaining together is itself a form of gratitude.

Rocky and Jamie cook dinner together in the cramped kitchen—seared scallops, dill potato salad, lemony green beans, grilled tofu for Willa—while Nick sets the table and the young women watch TikToks. Rocky checks once more that the scallop smell is okay for Maya, who insists she's fine. At dinner, Rocky toasts the special week, and Maya seems to wink at her, deepening Rocky's suspicion about Maya.