Annabeth brings homemade cupcakes to dinner at Sally and Paul’s apartment, and Sally’s praise means a great deal to Annabeth because Annabeth grew up without a warm maternal presence. Percy reflects on Annabeth’s drive, her new culinary class, and the comfortable closeness between Annabeth and Sally.

As dinner begins, Percy notices Paul is unusually tense and Sally is drinking sparkling water instead of her usual wine. Sally explains that she needs to tell Percy something, while Paul and Annabeth watch Percy carefully. Percy first fears bad news, but Sally reveals that she is pregnant.

Percy is stunned, then genuinely happy. Percy hugs Paul and Sally, relieving the family’s tension. Sally tells Percy the due date is March fifteenth, and Percy realizes he should be present for the birth before leaving for New Rome University in California, if his plans work out.

Percy’s happiness becomes mixed with unease because the baby makes Percy’s approaching departure feel more real. Sally encourages Percy not to change his plans, joking that the baby will need Percy’s bedroom. Percy feels both delighted for Sally and Paul and unsettled by the thought of missing parts of the baby’s early life.

After dinner, Percy and Annabeth wash dishes, then Percy walks Annabeth to the subway. Annabeth admits relief that Percy took the news well, remembering how her own younger stepbrothers once made Annabeth feel displaced. Annabeth reassures Percy that he will be a great big brother, and Percy ends the night feeling that whether he leaves for college or stays longer in New York, both futures might be manageable.