Penelope decides she has finally had enough of the constant failed match-making attempts and endless solitude and, inspired by Max's conversations about the outside world, flees the protection of her parents' home and journeys out into the city, using a scarf to cover her nose. While at a bar, Penelope ends up befriending delivery girl Annie (Reese Witherspoon), who becomes her "real world" mentor. Having maxed out her mother's credit card while at a hotel, Penelope discovers that Lemon and Vanderman are offering a reward for a photograph of her, and decides to collect the reward by producing a photo of herself (which finally drives a wedge between the two) while remaining anonymous in public with her scarf. Penelope's courage in going out to the world consequently inspires Max, who quits gambling and returns to piano playing in an old theatre. Meanwhile, her parents become desperate trying to find her and return her home, though torn over the event. When she is eventually found by her parents, Penelope runs back to the bar and subsequently passes out. While she is unconscious, Annie removes Penelope's scarf, revealing her as the elusive Penelope to the bar's patrons. To the latter's surprise, Penelope becomes an overnight celebrity, flocked by adoring fans who are not disgusted by her face.