A medical checkup determines that Zooey's infertility is psychosomatic, caused by the trauma and guilt of losing their son Samuel to being hit by a car while she was walking with him two years ago.

Unexpectedly, one of the children that Zooey saluted at the orphanage, Eli, shows up in their home the next day claiming that the process was fast-tracked for the good impression they made, as evidenced by the paperwork he brings.

Despite being 7 years old, Eli is an exceptionally responsible and helpful boy, precociously knowledgeable and skillful in a wide variety of matters such as cooking, etiquette and economics.

Aware of them growing apart, Eli arranges several activities to rekindle their relationship, concluding with a surprise visit to Legoland in order to fulfill Alec's childhood dream and provide inspiration for his job.

Unknown to them, Eli is a close friend of Mr. Potts, a beggar from a park near their home who regularly shows up to guide the couple through hardship.

Inspired by Eli playing with his Matryoshka doll and with the boy's help, Alec presents a toy called "The Mystery Box" to a consumer committee.

Although skeptical at first, soon the entire committee is interested and the product is a success, solving their financial troubles and relaunching Alec's company.

Zooey's shock only grows larger upon discovering that Eli's photos in both the adoption paperwork and Legoland driver's license are inexplicably blank.