Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses drug misuse, child abuse and neglect, and stigmatizing tropes that connect mental health conditions to criminal behavior, which Ward D portrays.

Amy Brenner is currently doing her psychiatry rotation for medical school. She is assigned to a sleep lab where she interviews a woman experiencing insomnia, but after their conversation, the woman realizes the insomnia is linked to the death of her cat and solves her issue by getting a kitten. Amy makes a report to Dr. Silver. The doctor asks if she is nervous about her next assignment, an overnight shift in Ward D, a locked psychiatric unit; Amy admits she is. Dr. Silver assures her it will be safe and allows her to go home early to rest. As she leaves, she reflects on her visit to Ward D eight years ago to visit her best friend.

Amy’s roommate, Gabby, drives her to the hospital for her overnight shift. Gabby already completed her rotation at Ward D and reassures Amy. Amy receives a text from Cameron Berger, her ex-boyfriend. She ignores it, still hurt that he broke up with her to study for the board exam. When the roommates arrive at the hospital, Gabby promises to return for Amy in the morning.