In a flashback, Adrienne Hale is running late because she stayed absorbed in the proof copy of The Anatomy of Fear, a book she sees as her crowning achievement. While driving, Adrienne impatiently runs a red light and then rationalizes the choice by telling herself that breaking rules can feel psychologically liberating.

Adrienne arrives at the strip mall where she volunteers once a week at a low-income Bronx clinic, where she manages medications for seriously ill psychiatric patients. She contrasts this work with her private practice, which funds her lifestyle but serves many wealthy, less urgent clients. Because the clinic is booked solid and Adrienne wants to help patients who truly need her, she becomes increasingly agitated when the packed parking lot makes her even later.

After finally spotting an open space, Adrienne loses it when a man in a red Jetta cuts her off and takes it first. Adrienne angrily leans on her horn, and the man responds with a grin and an obscene gesture before walking away. Adrienne briefly imagines hitting him with her car but does not act; instead, she parks elsewhere and reaches the clinic fifteen minutes late, sweaty, disheveled, and embarrassed.

At the clinic, receptionist Gloria tells Adrienne that her first patient, Mr. Harris, has rescheduled, which gives Adrienne a few minutes to recover. Luke Strauss, the man helping the clinic switch to electronic medical records, notices Adrienne's rough morning, brings her coffee exactly as she likes it, and quietly shows his interest in her. Gloria openly teases Adrienne about Luke, and when the conversation turns to Adrienne living alone in an isolated Westchester house, both Gloria and Luke urge her to get a security system. Adrienne dismisses the advice, insisting she is fine on her own.