When Mila and Hadley return home, their mother is in a panic. She scolds the girls for disappearing without any explanation and looks like she’s been crying. Their mother brushes off Mila’s concern and says she’s “just a little upset about some stuff going on at work” (93). The girls have to come with her to her new exercise class, and Mila has an emotional breakdown. She is angry that she always has to be the one to watch Hadley, make dinner, and walk Delilah. Her mother is sympathetic, and they both burst into tears. Mila’s mom admits that she “expect[s] an awful lot” (95) of Mila. Still, Mila relents and agrees to watch Hadley while her mom attends the exercise class at the new gym, E Motions.

Mila and Hadley sit in the reception area at E Motions while their mother attends her hour-long exercise class. Before long, Hadley complains that she is bored. The enthusiastic owner of the new gym, Erica, introduces herself and offers Hadley and Mila the chance to join a dance class. Hadley eagerly agrees, but Mila declines. Erica promises to bring Hadley back in just a few minutes, but Mila assures her that Hadley can “stay the whole hour” (99), hoping she can get just a moment of peace.