Elizabeth reels from weeks of her newborn Madeline’s incessant crying, the house in disarray and her confidence eroding. Financial stress looms; she even skipped anesthesia to save money. When Madeline finally sleeps, Elizabeth collapses. Dr. Boryweitz arrives early, brings a small gift, and pays for an urgent consult before she can rest again.

After the consult, Elizabeth falls asleep on her lab floor and dreams of Calvin. She’s awakened by neighbor Harriet Sloane, who has entered to check on her and the crying baby. Spotting the lab equipment in the kitchen, Harriet quickly takes charge—diapering Madeline, accepting Elizabeth’s lab-brewed coffee, and acknowledging Elizabeth’s loss of Calvin.

As Harriet observes the unconventional home lab and the stream of male visitors tied to Elizabeth’s work, she offers practical help: a phone number scrawled on the wall, a casserole, and bottle-feeding support. Elizabeth confesses deep maternal doubt, including fleeting urges to give the baby away. Harriet normalizes the turmoil, rejects idealized motherhood myths, and insists it will get better.

Before leaving, Harriet shares names, then offers one essential tip: take a daily moment solely for herself and recommit. Harriet departs, signaling an ongoing willingness to help, and Madeline’s cry resumes—underscoring Elizabeth’s ongoing challenge but newfound lifeline.