Celie observes that something is wrong at Hugo and Marja’s: Marja now hides in her room, avoids cooking their former family-style meals, and speaks in hushed tones with Hugo. Celie resents Marja and refuses to bond, feeling pressured to entertain Hugo’s young son and revolted by Hugo and Marja’s affection. She also notes home is tense: Bill still lives at the bungalow, Gene is away, and Lila is distracted and withdrawn.

On a walk with Martin after their Animation class, Celie admits she expects to hate her father’s new baby and fears it cements the family split. Martin shares his experience of warming to his half-brother and suggests talking to Hugo, which Celie dismisses, recalling past failed attempts. She keeps her family troubles from school friends and notes Bill’s formal texts and Gene’s silence.

Arriving at Hugo’s, Celie rings repeatedly, then uses her key. The house is unusually messy, the radio is on, and a note says Hugo has taken Marja to the hospital and Lila should collect Celie. Irritated yet relieved to go home, Celie raids the treats and deliberately keeps her shoes on upstairs. In Marja’s immaculate bedroom, Celie tries on makeup and scents, then spitefully empties most of an expensive moisturizer down the drain and dilutes or pours out perfumes, cleanser, and serum before replacing the bottles to hide the damage.

Lila drives Celie home, initially annoyed at Hugo’s timing, then softening and suggesting pizza. Lila looks exhausted and avoids makeup; when Celie asks about Gene, Lila admits she does not know when he will return and will have to talk to him.

The next day Lila insists Celie collect Violet after rehearsal due to an important meeting. Celie, feeling guilty about the sabotage, texts Martin a confession; he responds supportively, recounting how he once threw away his mother’s birth-control pills, which led to an unintended outcome.

At pickup, Celie keeps a low profile until she sees Violet emerge holding Gene’s hand. Gene, briefly back despite claiming work obligations, charms Violet’s teacher and greets Celie with a hug. He explains he had an early finish and wanted to walk them home, saying he cannot stay long. Celie, despite irritation at his style, feels a wave of relief at his presence.