Alarmed by encroaching darkness, Linus shields the children on the guesthouse porch until Lucy appears, small but menacing, amplifying fear with theatrical flames and gloom. Arthur intervenes, instantly dispelling the scene and sending Lucy to help in the kitchen. Introducing himself, Arthur urges Linus to shed preconceptions, notes Linus’s kindness with Theodore’s button, speaks to Sal in barks and to Talia in Gnomish, and invites Linus to dinner while asking for an open mind.

Disoriented, Linus retreats to his room, where he finds his luggage unpacked, his cat settled, and his belongings neatly arranged. Reviewing the children’s files, he confirms their extraordinary natures, including Chauncey’s unknown species, and recognizes how unprecedented this assignment truly is.

Drawn by music, Linus peeks into the kitchen to see Ms. Chapelwhite singing as Lucy cheerfully chops vegetables. Arthur gathers everyone, coaxing Theodore to walk to supper to build resilience. Theodore nibbles Linus’s loafer in thanks for the button, and Arthur seats Linus for the meal prepared in his honor.

Arthur sets expectations and asks each child to share a lesson learned. Phee reports new control over foliage; Chauncey proudly claims unpacking prowess; Talia offers a wry observation; Theodore’s joy in buttons is translated by Ms. Chapelwhite, who also admits her own snap judgments. Lucy first leans into doom and then concedes he is more than his parts. Sal, hesitant, admits fear of strangers, and Arthur reframes courage as acting despite fear. Pressed to contribute, Linus cites the vastness of the ocean.

Banter escalates: Talia challenges Linus’s self-consciousness, Lucy briefly distorts his body as a gag, and the children pepper Linus with questions about the city and his home life. Talk turns to what home means—gardens, trees, practice, safety—and Lucy notes sanctuary from persecution. The mood tightens when Sal asks if their home will be taken away; Arthur assures the group his duty is to keep them safe and together. Linus bristles at the implied challenge, but Ms. Chapelwhite defuses the moment by serving dessert.