On Homecoming Friday, the alumni meet looms, and Scarlett anticipates little joy from the event. Minutes before, an email announces her MCAT results. Fear of failure freezes her, and despite telling herself to “rip the Band-Aid,” she cannot open the link. Bella notices her fixation, but Scarlett defers the problem.

Arriving at the crowded diving well, Scarlett faces a second trigger: her high school coach, Mr. Kumar, and his wife, former Stanford diver Clara Katz. They warmly greet her, recalling their belief in her and their role in her path to Stanford. Their praise, layered with expectations, heightens Scarlett’s panic and shame.

When Clara recognizes Pen and compliments her NCAA gold, Pen, Bree, and Bella join the conversation. The growing crowd makes Scarlett feel smaller and more exposed. She quietly excuses herself, unable to manage the social pressure and the weight of perceived scrutiny from mentors who once championed her potential.

Scarlett approaches Coach Sima and admits she doesn’t feel well. Understanding her distress, Coach Sima immediately tells her to go home. Grateful but unable to voice it, she leaves the meet, choosing escape over confrontation with both her MCAT results and her mentors’ expectations.