Episode: 5
Noah, Ellie, and Dad leave the dinner table, and Mom turns off the light on Claire, leaving her to clean the dishes. Claire eats alone in the dark, remembering how nobody calls her for meals. On a video call, Mom tells the grandparents that Claire chose not to go to Italy. In the kitchen, Claire cries over years of missed family trips. A courier then delivers her graduation certificate packet for her job abroad.
Dad, Noah, and Ellie stand up and leave the dining table immediately after finishing their food. Mom announces that the last person eating has to clean the kitchen. She shuts off the light, leaving Claire sitting by herself.
Claire eats her dinner in the dark room before washing a sink piled high with dirty dishes. She thinks about how she ends up last every night because the family never tells her when dinner is served.
Grandmother and Grandfather call Mom on video to ask if Claire will join them in Italy. Mom lies directly to them, claiming Claire decided to stay home to work and gain extra work experience instead.
Claire stands in the kitchen and breaks down in tears. She recalls how her family left her out of vacations and family photos for years, while always telling outsiders that missing out was Claire's own personal choice.
A courier arrives at the front door with Claire's university graduation certificate packet. This is the final document required for her overseas job. She signs for it and shuts the door while her family cheerfully plans their Italy trip.
“House rules. Whoever finishes eating last cleans the kitchen.”
“Isn't Claire going?”
“She doesn't want to. She'd rather stay and work, get some more experience.”
“Claire Miller? Please sign here.”
Claire holds her university graduation packet close to her chest and shuts the front door. With the final paperwork for her overseas job in her hands, she knows she has everything she needs to walk away. Can Claire keep her departure hidden while her family focuses entirely on packing for Italy?