Our Country Friends

July 4th approaches, and with the Actor gone, life changes at the House on the Hill. People are kinder to one another and the group grows closer. The only person not happier is Nat. With the Actor gone, she feels the sense of freedom he gave her evaporate. Vinod, on the other hand, is in love with Karen and finally loved back, feels more comfortable and alive than before. Dee struggles with his departure and the invasion of her privacy. She frequently checks her social media and sees that he is trying to distance himself from her. She stays with the group because of Ed. They continue their walks and she is drawn to his reluctance to offer his opinions on the public discourse of the day. With all the good coming from the Actor’s departure, even the run-ins with the black pickup truck cease.

Dee and Ed go on a date to a Southeast Asian restaurant a few towns over and eat outside. They admit their love for one another and walk around town, where a few people recognize Dee but they are left alone. They share their first kiss and as they rush back to the house they strip in the car and cannot keep their hands from each other as Dee drives recklessly.