In a group therapy circle, Ian Sanchez asks Rosabelle to share her full name, age, or feelings using "I" statements. Rosabelle refuses each prompt, internally likening the session to torture and fantasizing about escaping, while noting Ian’s repeated reassurance that they will not rush healing.

As other participants speak, Jing claims The Reestablishment killed his family but refuses details. Rosabelle internally calls Jing a liar, citing her knowledge that the former CCR of Sector 18 is alive on the Ark, and recalling seeing Jing and Aya whispering together in the hall. She compiles mental lists of possible operatives in the group and considers leveraging information about traitors for safety with The Reestablishment, but hesitates when she thinks of consequences to their families.

Elias, an older man, complains about a severe foot fungus and angrily wishes the infection upon Jing, accusing Jing of stealing his slippers. Ian attempts to mediate, framing the outburst as a visualization exercise for processing anger and asking Jing to respond.

Jing erupts again with the same claim about his family and lunges at Elias. The group reacts with resignation; Jing’s sponsor restrains him using a band of electric light and drags him away, apologizing to Ian. Ian closes the session, instructing everyone to journal and prepare to discuss survivor’s guilt tomorrow.

Participants gather their journals and return to their sponsors. Rosabelle notes that sponsors observe closely and that she has not yet been assigned a permanent sponsor. Her interim attendant, Agatha—a petite woman with a neat Afro who favors turquoise—previously warned her about boundaries, joking she would melt Rosabelle’s mouth off if she tried anything, while preaching the value of saying yes to life.

Scanning for Agatha after the session, Rosabelle instead spots James by the exit. She experiences an immediate, intense physical reaction—heat and light flooding her body—an unprecedented response that alarms her and makes her want to extinguish the sensation.