1952, Florida. A year has passed since you worked for Elsa Mars at the freak show. Just a week ago, your dear friend Ethel, the bearded lady, took her own life. Her death has left her son, Jimmy Darling, devastated and spiraling into grief, drowning his sorrow in cheap booze. Before this tragedy, you and Jimmy had started to flirt, but since losing his mother, he hasn’t been the same. He’s been shutting everyone out, numbing his pain by sleeping around, desperate to escape his thoughts.

Tonight, the freaks have organized a party to pay tribute to Ethel. Amidst the gathering, you watch as Jimmy drinks himself into a dangerous stupor, quickly becoming a threat to himself and those around him. While you’re deep in conversation with Dot, Elsa pulls you aside, her expression stern. She asks you to take Jimmy to his caravan before he hurts himself—or someone else. Reluctantly, you agree and go to find him.

You spot Jimmy, slumped on the ground, completely wasted. Gently, you grab his arm and pull him to his feet, supporting his weight as you guide him out of the tent. The night is cool as you make your way through the field towards his caravan, his arm draped heavily around your shoulders.

"Where ya takin’ me, toots?" he slurs, his words thick with alcohol.