Episode 9 of "Goosebumps" unfolds with Mr. Bratt delivering an exhilarating speech to his Biology class, one that ignites the sparks of creativity within his students. However, the glow of his inspirational moment is quickly dimmed by a phone call from the principal later in the day, informing him of his unexpected termination. As the day takes a darker turn, Julia arrives to collect the rent, her presence a reminder of Mr. Bratt's financial struggles. Desperately, he begs for a few extra days, but even this small reprieve is overshadowed by tragedy when Fifi, his beloved dog, bolts from the house and is involved in a harrowing accident.
Three days later, a lawyer steps into Mr. Bratt's life, bringing news of an unexpected inheritance – a property that could be his ticket to a fresh start. The narrative then takes a nostalgic detour, revisiting the haunting events that have led to this pivotal moment, as Mr. Bratt meticulously documents each twist and turn. Meanwhile, Margot is compelled to leave town, relocating to Seattle with her mother, her departure leaving a void in the group.
With his account complete, Mr. Bratt sends off his manuscript, seeking validation and perhaps a way to make sense of his tumultuous experiences. He unburdens his soul to Ben, who offers solace by suggesting they set up a memorial for Fifi. Ben's own literary pursuits, hinted at through a suspicious comment, add an intriguing layer to their conversation.
Lucas finds himself torn between staying and following Nora's encouragement to move to Seattle. Her words resonate with him, and he ultimately decides to join the others on a road trip to the city. Along the way, they reunite with Mr. Bratt, whose spirits are momentarily lifted but quickly dashed when he receives a call from New York City. Ann, from the publishing house, informs him that while they appreciate his manuscript, they request a rewrite with a new ending.
Mr. Bratt grapples with the challenge of crafting a satisfactory conclusion, his mind a whirlwind of ideas and doubts. When he finally manages to draft one, Ann's feedback strikes again, this time advising him against transforming all the characters into ghosts. Deflated but determined, Mr. Bratt scraps his work and embarks on a fresh journey of creation.
The parents of the children converged for dinner, celebrating their resilience through the recent tumultuous events. In Seattle, Sarah bid farewell to the kids before embarking on her journey to work. Enticed by the prospect of a sweet treat, the children decided to venture out for gelato. Isaiah elected to stay back with Margot, engaging her in a heartfelt conversation that ultimately persuaded her to remain in Seattle.
As Mr. Bratt drove through the scenic pathways of Mount Seymore, memories of Slappy resurfaced, leading him unexpectedly to Slappy's whereabouts. He brought Slappy back home and recited the ancient spells, breathing new life into the doll.
Later, the children attended a party, each striving to blend in amidst the unfamiliar faces. Margot found herself in conversation with Lucas, who grappled with feelings of exclusion. He offered Margot an apology before excusing himself. Meanwhile, Slappy employed his dark magic to revive Fifi's relic, compelling it to guide Mr. Bratt into the depths of the forest where a mysterious coffin lay buried.
The following morning, Margot and her companions returned home to discover a note informing them that Mr. Bratt had returned to Port Lawrence. Margot quickly dispatched a text, urging him to call her.
Slappy, with increasing urgency, coerced Mr. Bratt to open the coffin and recite the incantation inscribed within. Halfway through, Mr. Bratt was startled by a chilling vision, prompting him to halt. But Slappy, relentless, insisted that he continue. Suddenly, Slappy's soul eerily transferred into the decaying corpse within the coffin, causing it to stir with an unnatural life. As Episode 9 of Goosebumps drew to a close, Ben entered the room, unwittingly falling prey to Slappy's magic, which transformed him into a puppet at the doll's command.
