Lauren arrives at Rachel’s house, and Rachel invites her in. Lauren tells her sister that she and Ryan “are splitting up” (75) and explains the terms of their separation. When Rachel doesn’t understand why they wouldn’t just get a divorce, Lauren realizes that she and Ryan never considered it. Rachel assures Lauren that she will support her, and she reminds Lauren that she loves her. The sisters continue talking while Rachel makes breakfast. Lauren tells Rachel about her and Ryan’s plan to split their time with Thumper. Finally, Rachel admits that she is worried about Ryan. While eating, Lauren silently tells herself that she and Ryan will get through this, but she admits to Rachel that she isn’t sure how she’ll tell Leslie and Charlie about her marriage problems.

Lauren spends the rest of the weekend with Rachel. When she returns home on Sunday, Ryan has moved out. She finds a note from him, in which he tells her not to call him, insisting that he needs time alone. He also wishes her a happy early birthday as they won’t be together on her 30th birthday. He agrees to contact her in two months when she gives him Thumper.

Lauren reads the note several times.