Christine is a professor of French literature. She attends a tribute event in New York City for her old playwriting professor, Ivan Borysenko. Christine was surprised when she received the invitation because she hadn’t heard from Ivan in fifteen years. She had been his favorite student at the time and, although everyone suspected that they’d slept together, she’d never done anything more than pose nude for his sketches. At the event, a dramaturg named Martin pokes fun at what he thinks happened between Christine and Ivan. Christine waves Martin’s comments off. She observes Ivan’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Pia, who will be taking the SAT the next day and who is lavished with attention. Ivan comes up to Christine and admits that his wife, Beth, was the one who invited Christine. This news makes Christine uncomfortable, as it assures her that Beth knew about their relations all along. Ivan alludes to meeting Christine in private later. As Christine is getting ready to leave, Pia comes up to her, asking if Christine has seen her boyfriend. Christine gets in her car and sleeps with Martin later that night. Pia gets in a car crash and is in the hospital for two days afterward. Although she’s alright, she doesn't get to take the SAT the following day. Her father keeps vigil by her bed during those two days.