Natasha lets Alexis’s words settle over her like a cozy blanket. Just one conversation with her makes Natasha feel like a different person, one full of possibility and promise. Mom always told her that there was nothing more empowering than being around a woman who let you emotionally expose yourself. Devi Auntie does that for Mom. Natasha used to think Anita Auntie did, too.

“I never thought I was trying to prove anything. But maybe on some level I was. I tried to get to this place where I wasn’t the weirdo anymore and where I had everything,” Natasha admits. “My best friend becomes my husband. My family proud of me. My friends understanding everything I’m going through.” Natasha’s voice becomes softer as she pictures her hypothetical life. Sunday brunches with her and Karan’s families. Being a bridesmaid in Ifeoma’s wedding. Suhani, Zack, and Anuj cheering for her at a comedy club.

Is it possible that despite all the times she’s rebelled, a big part of her was still convinced that if she wasn’t following a conventional life, she was a failure?

“I know this is easier said than done, but if you really wanna live on your own terms, you’ve got to be okay with disappointing people, even the ones you love,” Alexis says. “Maybe especially them.”

They’re interrupted by a nurse asking Natasha if she’s ready to meet the treatment team. The next hour is exactly how Alexis described. Natasha goes to a big room where a dozen staff members are sitting around a table with coffee and clipboards. Thankfully, Dr. Chan is sitting in the center and encourages Natasha to take her time going back through the events that led her to calling 911.

At first, Natasha feels like a zoo animal, trapped behind glass, solely there to be observed and gawked at. But something about Dr. Chan’s confident and warm voice makes Natasha’s breathing slow down.

“If at any point any of this becomes too much, let me know and we’ll take a break,” Dr. Chan says. The residents on either side of her are taking frantic notes. One of them is looking through a pocket textbook that reads Synopsis of Psychiatry. Is this who Natasha is to them? Someone who can just be looked up and referenced?

Like an idiot, she only now remembers that these people work with her sister. And they’re going to know the most humiliating thing she’s ever done!

But everyone’s faces are unfazed as she gives them a recap. It’s obvious that they’ve heard it all. As traumatic as the last twenty-four hours have been, a part of her is relieved that nobody looks shocked or disgusted.

The interview ends with Dr. Chan recommending therapy and a low dose of Prozac. (Spot on, Alexis!) Natasha heads back to her room. All she wants to do is sleep.