Ethan wakes on the morning of his thirtieth birthday to a text from Lila, Harvey's sister, who sends him a blurry, meaningless photo that is so characteristically Harvey it makes Ethan laugh and then cry. He grieves in the shower but composes himself, resolving to move forward.

At work, Ethan receives extra attention partly because people know about Harvey's death and partly because some believe Ethan's own predicted death is near. His female colleagues give him self-defense gifts—a personal alarm, pepper spray, and a stealth knife—all in pastel colors, presented as jokes but with genuine concern behind them.

That evening, Jasmine has prepared nachos and margaritas for his birthday. She gives him a cushion with a pencil drawing of Jason Bourne, a private joke between them. As they talk, Jasmine casually reveals she has broken up with Carter. Ethan is ecstatic but tries to hide it. Jasmine describes Carter's refusal to accept the breakup—he has called her six times that day, demanding closure and crying on the phone. Ethan advises her not to engage, noting Carter doesn't want closure but wants to change her mind.

The conversation shifts briefly to Jasmine's idea of getting a fish tank with guppies for the apartment, but Carter calls again. Jasmine answers and tries to manage him gently. Carter accuses her of being with Ethan, and Jasmine firmly insists there is nothing between them—a statement Ethan registers with quiet disappointment. She hangs up.

Moments later, the apartment buzzer begins going off repeatedly. Both Ethan and Jasmine realize it is Carter at the door. Ethan feels the weight of his prediction—that he would die in a fight—closing in. He compares the moment to the inevitability of a movie prequel's predetermined ending. Despite his fear, Ethan resolves that if Jasmine is in danger from Carter, he will protect her, even as Harvey's voice reminds him that "guys like us aren't action heroes."