4.Attitude

Howard (an android) and Bridget enjoy a casual day together at Landing's mall, eating lunch and shopping. Their outing is briefly interrupted by a rude teenager's comment about their age difference, which troubles Howard but Bridget dismisses. The chapter touches on family tensions, particularly Rosie's disapproval of their relationship, before Bridget reaffirms her commitment to Howard despite outside opinions.

Howard waits at a mall coffee shop in Landing, Vulcan, people-watching before meeting Bridget. He reflects on the strangeness of immortality and his android existence seventeen light-years from Earth. When Bridget arrives, they decide to eat lunch together at a bronto burger restaurant. While heading there, a teenager makes a disparaging comment comparing their age difference, suggesting Bridget is old enough to be Howard's mother. Though the remark troubles Howard—Bridget is biologically in her late fifties while he appears thirty-one—Bridget defuses the situation and they continue. Over lunch, Bridget discusses her children's reactions to their relationship. Rosie, her daughter, disapproves and prefers Bridget stay within her species, though Rosie dislikes most people anyway. Her son Howie has grown more distant, likely influenced by Rosie's negativity. Howard offers to leave if he becomes a problem for Bridget's life, but Bridget firmly rejects this, stating her relationships are her own decision and she enjoys Howard's company regardless of others' opinions. The chapter ends with them heading off to shop for clothes for Howard.