John dies of a sudden heart attack in 1980, just shy of fifty, shocking everyone because he seemed the healthiest among them. The loss leaves a gaping absence. Celia is photographed crying on set in Arizona, but despite Evelyn’s longing to comfort her, their breakup keeps them apart.

Harry is shattered by John’s death, sinking into bedbound grief and bourbon-fueled days. Determined to help, Evelyn moves herself and Connor into Harry’s apartment. She handles the basics—food, bathing, and playtime with Connor—trying to keep Harry engaged with his daughter and daily life.

One morning, Evelyn finds Harry staring out the window with an empty glass while Connor pours cereal. When Connor asks why Harry’s eyes are wet, Evelyn cannot tell if he is crying or already drinking, underscoring how grief and alcohol have begun to blur together.

At the funeral, Evelyn and Harry wear black while Harry’s pain is unmistakable. The public cover story—that Harry and John were merely friends and Evelyn and Harry were romantically involved—clashes with reality, especially when John’s will leaves the house to Harry. Exhausted by secrecy, Evelyn does not push Harry to hide his feelings or reject the inheritance.

Celia attends the service but refuses to acknowledge Evelyn. Evelyn chooses not to approach her, unwilling to use Harry’s loss to bridge their rift. When Connor asks who Celia is and recognizes her only from Little Women, Evelyn realizes Connor no longer remembers Celia as family, confirming that the found family they built has truly come apart.