Walking home from work a week after Krista moved out, Blake receives a call from his father. Feeling isolated at work and in his personal life, Blake admits Krista left because she thinks he cheated, which he denies. His father advises that if Blake did nothing wrong, he should give Krista the space she asked for, and expresses confidence she may return.

Blake reflects on his parents’ long, loving marriage and regrets not taking earlier advice to move back to Cleveland with Krista. When his father invites him home for Thanksgiving, Blake agrees, craving family support and a break from Whitney.

Turning onto his block, Blake is startled to see neighbor Mr. Zimmerly’s emptied trash and recycling bins still at the curb late in the day, which is highly unusual for the meticulous neighbor. He ends the call and, after putting away his own bin, goes to check on Zimmerly.

Blake rings the bell repeatedly, knocks, and hears nothing. Worried, he tries the doorknob and finds the door unlocked. Inside, the living room appears dusty and unused, suggesting few visitors; old photos and a stopped clock catch his eye. He calls out several times without response.

In the small, unrenovated kitchen, Blake finds a full glass of water and a neatly halved sandwich left on the counter, indicating Zimmerly prepared lunch but never ate it. This deepens Blake’s concern that something is wrong.

As Blake considers calling the police, he notices the downstairs bathroom light on and the door slightly ajar. Knowing Zimmerly’s habits, Blake assumes he must be inside. He approaches, calls out, and gently pushes the door, which swings open to reveal a shocking scene that causes Blake to scream.