Em doesn't like their captive Ellen Craslow, a tall, cocoa-skinned girl with short hair, who is different from previous captives and refuses to eat the liver Em brought, claiming she's vegan.
Ellen stands firmly in her rejection, causing Em to feel deep anger. Despite professing her veganism, Em taunts Ellen with water she can only have after eating meat.
Professor Rodney, Em's husband, is puzzled by Ellen's calm and calculated behavior, despite the fact she has been without food and water for some time.
Ellen does not plead or bargain for her release and remains standoffish, even after Rodney tries to convince her to eat the decaying liver to regain her strength.
Rodney reflects on the problem Ellen presents, as she shows a strong understanding of their situation, including the presence of a woodchipper intended for disposing of her body.
Em and Rodney watch Ellen from a camera in the study and discuss her situation without empathy, pondering what to do with her next.
Over two days, Ellen continues to refuse food, and Em is troubled by the inexplicable presence of maggots and flies on the meat.
Despite the pain from her sciatica, Em confronts Ellen with another piece of liver and water, but Ellen declines again.
Em is frustrated and angry over Ellen's continued resistance and the thought of finding a new captive. Rodney comforts her and hints at a possible solution.
Em once again offers meat to Ellen, stating it's her last chance, but Ellen replies stoically, accepting her fate as sealed.
Rodney visits Ellen with a prepared salad, mocking her veganism, and after a moment of feigned kindness, he abruptly shoots her with a silenced .38 caliber revolver, twice, to ensure her death.
Rodney expresses regret over the situation by saying, "What a waste," referring to both Ellen's death and the ensuing cleanup.