Michael and Carrie are absent from the synagogue for eight months and do not attend study sessions with their rabbi, Eddie. When they return in June 1998, Carrie explains they have been going through difficult times. Michael has put on weight and his beard is unkempt. However, Eddie has no idea that Michael is unmedicated and battling delusions that a non-human entity is claiming to be Carrie. In a one-to-one meeting a few days later, Michael tells Eddie he is depressed and stressed about completing his memoir. When Michael expresses an urge to be closer to God, Eddie gives him a copy of The Lonely Man of Faith by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. They arrange to meet a week later to discuss it.

Michael’s mother and members of the Network are concerned about Michael’s deterioration. Jane Ferber and Michael’s psychiatrist Murray are aware of his delusions but cannot persuade Michael to take his medication. Furthermore, Murray does not believe Michael is violent, so there are no legal grounds for enforced hospitalization. A crisis intervention team are dispatched to Michael’s address, but he appears rational and sends them away.

On Wednesday, June 17, Carrie calls work to say she cannot come in due to a “personal emergency.