Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, emotional abuse, and cursing.

Thirty-six-year-old rom-com author Hazel Hart spends the day at a New York coffee shop, searching for inspiration for the novel she’s been unsuccessfully attempting to plot for a year. After yet another failed brainstorm session, she retreats to her cramped, unkempt apartment. In addition to neglecting her home care duties, she’s also been neglecting her personal hygiene and her social life. Hazel’s childhood best friend and current literary agent, Zoey Moody, visits her home to inform her of a recent meeting with Hazel’s publishers. After scolding Hazel to care for herself and her apartment, Zoey reveals that Hazel’s career might be over if she doesn’t turn something in soon. Hazel has missed the past three deadline extensions, and her publisher is beginning to lose faith in her. Zoey also points out that Hazel doesn’t interact with her readers anymore, which the publisher fears has resulted in a deteriorating fanbase. Hazel begrudgingly agrees to go to a signing event, though Zoey insists that this event alone will not be enough.