Bonnie Gregor lies awake in her childhood bedroom, looking at the painted night sky and gold stars her father made for her. The ceiling brings back memories of childhood wonder and of grieving for her father after his death, but tonight Bonnie chooses hope over emptiness. As Bonnie prepares to leave the next day, the stars become a symbol of the future she believes is opening for her.

Because Bonnie is flying the next afternoon, Bonnie carefully works out every stage of the journey to Heathrow and builds in extra time so nothing can go wrong. Bonnie goes over the promotional lines she has prepared for Forest Paints, testing cheerful phrasing and even possible catchphrases because Bonnie wants to perform well and make this opportunity succeed. Bonnie has learned the product range and enough technical details to sound professional, and Bonnie imagines confidently talking about paint beside a pool.

Bonnie also reflects on what the trip means financially. The first installment of Bonnie’s money has arrived, which reassures Bonnie that the job is real and strengthens Bonnie’s belief that Bonnie can provide safety and happiness for Maxie and Mimi. Bonnie does not tell Bonnie’s mother that Vivid Viral has used a strange payment method, sending Bonnie far more than Bonnie is meant to keep and then moving the extra money elsewhere; Bonnie does not understand it, but trusts that it is normal business practice.

Before sleeping, Bonnie notices the good-luck cards from Bonnie’s mother and children and feels calmer than Bonnie has in a long time. Bonnie checks that Bonnie’s luggage is ready, including the big leather holdall with the safety lock, and remembers that it felt heavy when Bonnie lifted it. Rather than suspecting danger, Bonnie assumes it may contain some new paint-related product and falls asleep excited to discover what is inside, unaware of the risk Bonnie is carrying into the trip.