Charlie brings Nan dinner from the Tavern and tells her he is “teaching” Alice to make his mother’s pierogi. At Charlie’s house, despite flirtation, they genuinely prepare pierogi together. The cooking triggers memories for Charlie of his late father and time in the Tavern kitchen, which he describes as feeling like family; he grows quiet and distant for a moment before resuming.

They take a fast boat ride at sunset, enjoying the sensory details of the lake and each other’s company. Back at the house, they go upstairs, tour the bedrooms, and end up in Charlie’s room overlooking the water. They have sex and later eat pierogi after midnight. Under the full moon, they fall asleep with Charlie curled around Alice.

Alice dreams of waking with Charlie in her Toronto apartment and making pierogi for a family lunch, a vision blending intimacy and everyday life. In the morning, waking in Charlie’s bed, Alice tells him she wants to try being together in the city after summer ends. Charlie goes still, deflects to getting coffee, and asks to postpone the talk.

Over breakfast, Alice states plainly that she has feelings for him and wants a real relationship. Charlie says he “can’t,” claiming he is not built for a relationship and that long term it would not work. Alice challenges him, arguing that they already act like a couple and that he has feelings for her too.

Charlie hardens emotionally and insists he would get bored, that they are too different, and that ending it is doing her a favor. Alice calls him a coward and warns he is making a major mistake. Hurt flashes across Charlie’s face, but he remains closed off. Alice leaves the house, breaks down crying on the way back, and collapses into Nan’s arms at the cottage.