At dinner, John's mother says the family factory is struggling and his father is away on business, then scolds John about school. John returns home awkward and distracted. A visitor, described as a "friend from the north," arrives and urges them to "play basketball," which they admit was a cover for going to an internet café. The friend abruptly leaves to work but promises to stay tomorrow. Before the night ends, John asks his mother, "Can I have 5 bucks?" She gives it to him, leaving whether he'll repeat old habits or choose differently unresolved.