In winter quarter, Scarlett keeps a light academic load to accommodate an intense competition stretch. During a check-in with therapist Sam, Scarlett acknowledges not medaling in Amsterdam but frames it as motivation, affirming she is ready and excited for the season ahead.

Later in the locker room, Pen apologizes for asking Scarlett to leave the party and discloses that Theo has broken up with her. Pen describes his reasons and is visibly hurt, noting Lukas reacted kindly but distantly when she told him. Scarlett gently suggests Pen and Lukas may have bonded through trauma, prompting Pen to defend the past relationship.

Pen makes a thoughtless remark contrasting trauma bonding with sexual compatibility, then quickly apologizes. She wonders if breaking up with Lukas was a mistake and asks if Scarlett’s relationship with him is mostly sex. To spare Pen’s feelings, Scarlett admits they are not officially dating and withholds the depth of her connection with Lukas, while reassuring Pen that Theo’s decision is his loss.

Scarlett supports Pen on the way to dryland training, then steps away to focus on her goals. She seeks out Coach Sima and requests a discussion about changing her training program, signaling a renewed commitment to optimizing her performance for the coming championships.