Klara recalls her earliest days in the store, positioned mid‑store on the magazines table where she and Rosa could see the street through the window. Boy AF Rex reassures them about Sun nourishment; when Klara grasps the Sun’s pattern on the floor it vanishes, and Rex accuses her of greed, causing the store’s light to dim and Rex to feel sick. Later, Rex is moved to the front alcove and is examined by a teenage girl and her high‑ranking mother; the mother declines to buy him, citing alleged solar‑absorption issues of the B2 third series.

Klara and Rosa eventually earn a turn in the window. Manager raises the grid, exposing a bright Sun rectangle; they sit on the Striped Sofa and absorb abundant Sun nourishment. Klara is fascinated by the detailed view of the RPO Building, the street, taxis, and pedestrians, while Rosa fixates on the Tow‑Away Zone sign. They observe various children’s reactions, noting that sad or angry glances often hide unhappiness. Manager later advises Klara that children’s disappointment at the window is normal.

Josie, a 14½‑year‑old girl with a cautious stride, begins visiting Klara’s window with her mother. Josie repeatedly promises to take Klara home, explaining her own family’s situation and warning that her mother is “weighing” Klara. Their conversations are marked by hesitant promises and careful gestures; Josie’s mother watches intently, and Josie eventually leaves without returning.

A severe pollution event arrives with the Cootings Machine, belching dark smoke that obscures the sky and dims the store. The Sun’s patterns fade, and the AFs weaken. Manager reassures them, citing past occurrences. After four days the machine disappears, the sky clears, and Sun nourishment returns.

Shortly after, Rosa is sold to a family and disappears through the Staff‑Only door. Klara remains mid‑store as new B3 models (including Sung Yi) arrive; the older AFs notice the B3s subtly repositioning themselves to appear as a separate group.

Manager grants Klara a second solo window turn. During this stint she again watches the street, noting Beggar Man and his dog lying still at the doorway. She believes they have died, but the next morning the Sun’s nourishment revives them; they sit up, smiling and absorbing light.

After the second window turn ends, Klara is moved to the rear alcove, away from the street view. Josie later reappears, this time accompanied by her mother and a new B3 (Sung Yi) in the front alcove. The mother asks Klara detailed questions about Josie’s appearance, voice, and gait, testing Klara’s observational skill. Klara answers accurately and even reproduces Josie’s walk on the Sun‑patterned floor. Impressed, the mother declares she wants Klara, not a B3, and confirms the purchase. Manager praises Klara’s extraordinary observational ability as the transaction is completed.