Katie resolves to make an exceptional Day in the Life video of Hutch to prove her value to Sullivan and save her job, but she decides she will not upload it publicly out of respect for Hutch’s privacy. She arrives at the Sunshine Marina and learns Hutch lives on a houseboat named Rue the Day, with George Bailey on the rooftop deck. When George Bailey bounds toward Katie, he knocks her and her overnight bag into the marina; Hutch quickly assists her to the ladder despite Katie having oriented herself and surfaced on her own.

Inside, Hutch provides a shower, dry clothes, and care, dabbing ointment on scratches from the dog’s claws while apologizing. The mishap leaves Hutch kinder and more open for the day’s filming. Katie records Hutch’s domestic routines and workouts—laundry, jump rope, push-ups, deck washing in swim trunks, a run, and a dog walk—capturing visually rich shots aimed to wow Sullivan.

During the walk, Hutch explains the houseboat belonged to Rue’s late husband, Robert, and that Rue kept it after the fatal accident. George Bailey scoops up a toad, and Hutch uses a glove to pry it out, checking it is not the poisonous cane toad. Hutch notes he is distracted by the filming. The three return after sunset for dinner.

Katie sets up the interview in Hutch’s bedroom, the quietest spot, and discovers her lost hibiscus hair clip tucked at the back of his closet; unsure what it signifies, she leaves it where it is. The interview about the celebrity dog rescue goes smoothly; Hutch tells the story with clarity and presence, and Katie anticipates the piece will be compelling even though she still plans to limit its audience to Sullivan.

At bedtime, Hutch offers his bed, but Katie insists on the sofa for verité authenticity. She then asks to film him putting on pajamas to appeal to Sullivan’s tastes, explaining her job stakes. Hutch admits he does not wear pajamas, only boxer briefs, but offers to put some on; Katie, trusting him as a fundamentally good person, says he can sleep as he normally would and asks instead to film him taking a few things off for the sequence.