Macon drives Muriel and Alexander to Muriel’s parents’ house for Christmas. Despite the cold, they have the windows down, so the residual dog dander doesn’t bother Alexander. As Muriel and Macon discuss Alexander’s allergies, Muriel broaches the idea of them eventually living together. Macon expresses that he hadn’t considered it but isn’t opposed to the idea. 

At Muriel's parents’ house, Macon meets Muriel’s younger sister, Claire, who is still in her teens. Claire and Alexander seem close. Macon also meets Muriel’s parents. Her mother, Mrs. Dugan, is critical of Muriel and doesn’t pay much attention to Alexander, who seems used to this treatment. Muriel’s father, Mr. Dugan, is less sociable but opens up when they begin to drink and discuss cars. 

Muriel shows Macon a photo album. Macon notices that all of Muriel’s baby photos are in color, noting that all his are in black and white. As Muriel flips through the book, Macon watches as she ages, and the photos of her become fewer and farther between. Once Claire is born, Muriel disappears from the album altogether. 

Muriel gifts her mother a professionally framed portrait of her and Alexander, but Mrs. Dugan seems unimpressed. At dinner, Mr.