Lila’s post-separation routine is outlined: dawn citalopram, dog walks on the Heath with audiobooks to avoid intrusive thoughts, shepherding Celie and Violet through mornings while Bill enforces healthy breakfasts, and daytime admin that exhausts her into naps. Evenings are domestic triage, followed by antihistamines or a small joint and sleepcasts to chase elusive rest.

The emotional backdrop is Lila’s determination not to dwell on Dan and Marja’s curated life or the absence of her mother, Francesca. Over dinner, as Bill’s nutritious stew goes half-eaten, Lila recognizes a new battlefront: Marja’s baby will be her daughters’ half-sibling, cementing that Dan is not returning and forcing a long-term adjustment.

At 8:15 p.m., Dan calls. He says Marja is upset and explains the pregnancy is eighteen weeks along. Lila challenges his timeline and the optics, and Dan suggests Lila tell the girls; Lila refuses, saying it’s his responsibility. Their argument escalates as Lila accuses Dan of prioritizing Marja’s son Hugo and preparing to replace his daughters. During this, Celie appears, ashen, overhears, and flees to her room.

Lila abandons the call and waits outside Celie’s locked door until Celie lets her in. Celie says she hates Dan and shows an Instagram post of Marja’s positive test, contradicting Dan’s claim of discretion. Lila apologizes and learns Celie already suspected the pregnancy from seeing Pregnacare vitamins at Dan and Marja’s. Lila tries to frame the baby as potentially positive, but Celie calls out Lila’s forced optimism; they share a brief, grounding moment as Celie checks on Lila, and they joke about Bill’s lentil-heavy meals.

Shaken, Lila takes an extra citalopram despite medical advice. Downstairs, she tells Bill about the baby. Bill offers condolences, calls Dan a fool, and, in an uncharacteristic burst of profanity, echoes what Francesca might have said, which makes Lila laugh-cry. He reassures her that things will settle, citing superstitious “three things,” and they steady each other, even as Lila notes Bill’s own poor poker face.