Content Warning: The source material discusses sexual assault, graphic violence, murder, suicide, and miscarriage.

An unidentified narrator, later identified as Lily Scott, runs for her life while being pursued by another person. She is in extreme distress and ambiguously considers how she lost control of the situation.

Christian Scott, one of the novel’s narrators, arrives home from work to find his wife, Lily Scott, acting anxious. Christian believes that Lily’s pregnancy is the cause of her behavior, and he worries about her standing too frequently in her teaching job. Lily seems distracted as Christian cares for her, offering to bring her dinner in bed. Lily declines, not wanting to risk a mess. She eats takeout on the couch with Christian while they watch television, but Christian notices Lily’s inattention to their program. Lily asks Christian to lock up before bed, which is out of character for her.

Christian locks all entrances while reflecting on the house: It is decently sized and charming, has modern appliances, and has large windows that look out over a scenic backyard with a community trail. Though the home's price point exceeded Lily and Christian’s budget, Christian purchased the house knowing that Lily adored it.