- Time for some exposition and scene-setting, kids.
- It's July, and Walter is a bit bummed about his financial situation. Work hasn't been plentiful, and cash is tight.
- He's heading to dinner with his family, which consists of his sister Sarah and his mother.
- Walter's father, who was also an art teacher, is dead.
- Walter also fills us in on his odd friend, Pesca, who is at the Hartright house for dinner.
- Pesca is an Italian language professor who is super short and super high-spirited.
- Walter saved Pesca from drowning during a beach vacay, and ever since, Pesca has been nearly obsessed with doing Walter a solid to say thanks.