Found in a village tree, Ian Warren mutters that if he can't die in the river, hanging would work, provoking Alice Clare's scolding. She calls him a "city boy," blames him for damaging village trees and insists swinging isn't allowed, claiming she saw him "swinging with his neck." Ian denies it, says he fell, and she apologizes. Their clash softens into introductions: Alice offers to be his first friend despite his refusal. As they move on, Ian calls the road "dark" and a dazzling light appears ahead, halting them and leaving their next move uncertain.