It is Sarah’s ninth birthday party, and Peter has forgotten the cake. He rushes out to get it, leaving Ethan in charge of seven children. Ethan panics because Sarah’s birthday is not going well. She does not like her gift, a robotic dog, and she wants Lucy instead. Ethan gets upset that Peter did not ask other parents for help. He misses his mom and her way of handling parties. He tries to distract the children with drawing materials, but they fight over the markers. When they ask Ethan to draw, they make fun of his art.

Ethan runs to his room and asks Inkling for help. This time, when the kids ask him to draw, beautiful images appear, thanks to Inkling. Ethan tells the kids that the easel is magic, and they love it. Peter finally returns and takes over the drawing. The party goes well, even though Peter only prepares chips and cheese puffs. While Sarah opens presents, Ethan helps Peter with the cake, but when they realize that Peter absentmindedly left the cake at the store, they improvise by frosting a loaf of bread and adding candles. That night, Inkling returns to Peter’s room. Peter dreams of piñatas, unobtainable cakes, and the hospital bed.