Tensions rise between Dominick and his live-in girlfriend, Joy, as the media begins to take an interest in Thomas' case. In his attempt to have Thomas released from the Hatch forensic institute for the criminally insane, Dominick finds a potential ally in social worker Lisa Sheffer, but learns that helping his brother may be more difficult than he thought.

Sheffer preps Dominick for a pivotal hearing with Hatch’s review board that could decide Thomas’ fate. A chance encounter with an old classmate brings painful childhood memories to the surface. Dominick reflects on his and Thomas’ time together at college, during which he met Dessa and the signs of his brother’s illness first began to manifest. Joy attempts to remedy the problems in her and Dominick’s relationship.

Despite the protestations of those closest to him, Dominick returns to work before fully recovering from his accident. Heavily medicated, Dominick recalls the disturbing incident that lead to Thomas’ first hospitalization while counting down the hours to Thomas’ hearing with the Hatch review board.