On October 1, Alice takes a cab to the hospital after Percy tells her that Charlie has had open-heart surgery and is in intensive care. In the hallway, Alice finds Percy—visibly pregnant—in a hospital gown and mask, speaking with Sam, who is a doctor there. Sam confirms Charlie is stable more than 24 hours post-operation after a Ross procedure performed by Dr. Lim, and Percy admits they had planned to let Charlie tell Alice himself.

In the cafeteria, Sam explains that Charlie also had a stent placed in the spring and was diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis and aortic coarctation, likely congenital. Percy recounts that Sam pushed Charlie to see a doctor in March after shortness of breath and faintness; a murmur and high blood pressure were found. Sam notes the conditions may have come from their father, who likely had the same undiagnosed issues, and Percy shares that prenatal screenings for her baby girl look good. Sam confirms he himself has been screened and is clear.

Sam prepares Alice for the ICU visit, describing the sternotomy, pain, and the many tubes and monitors. He suggests she try to remain calm and offers to accompany her, but Alice chooses to go alone. Before leaving, Sam tells Alice that she is the only person they have called besides family, reassuring her importance to Charlie.

Alice enters Charlie’s ICU room and finds him pale, with longer hair and many lines and monitors attached. She sits quietly by his side, focusing on him and trying not to wake him. Without opening his eyes at first, Charlie recognizes her presence and teases her for staring, his voice strained and painful.

Alice tells Charlie she is angry he kept this from her and that she has missed him. He says she should not be there, but Alice insists she should. She carefully rests her hands on his upper arm, avoiding the medical equipment. Charlie briefly opens his eyes, they share an emotional moment, he comments that she looks good in yellow, and then he drifts back to sleep.