Episode 4 of "The Mess You Leave Behind" unfolds with an ominous prelude as Raquel arrives home, unexpectedly encountering Simon and German in deep conversation, the air thick with unspoken tensions. Steeling herself, she steps inside, striving to maintain a veneer of composure amidst the whirlwind of business dealings that seem to engulf them all. Yet, the effort is futile, and she ultimately seeks solace outdoors, her dog by her side, as she dials Tere's number, voicing her fears and uncertainties over the phone. Does German know about the clandestine affair? What lies ahead for her? These questions linger heavily in the air.
Returning home, Raquel delicately probes German about Simon's visit, the animosity between them palpable, turning the already awkward atmosphere into a minefield of emotions.
At school, Raquel confronts Roi about the blackmail, suspicion clouding her every word. Yet, Roi's words serve as a chilling reminder of the tight-knit community's solidarity, where accusations can swiftly turn into a shield for the guilty.
Flashing back to a time when Mauro and Viruca's marital woes spilled over into the school's corridors, Mauro's desperate attempts to salvage their shattered bond prove futile as Viruca walks away, her heart clearly elsewhere. The truth, an affair with Tomas, remains hidden from Iago's gaze, his curiosity piqued as he watches her abandon Mauro's side.
When confronted by Iago about the incriminating photos, Viruca dismisses the matter with a shrug, revealing only a fraction of the truth – her conversation with Iago's father, conveniently omitting the intimacy that lies beneath the surface.
In the present, Raquel adopts a new strategy, cunningly ingratiating herself into Nerea's good graces. She dismisses the blackmailer's inquiries as nothing more than a mental exercise, weaving a tale of feminism and equality, turning even this ordeal into a teachable moment for the students.
Upon her arrival home, Simon's unexpected presence coincides, as he sneaks up from behind, encircling Raquel's waist in a sudden embrace. It transpires that he, too, had fallen victim to the mischievous messages, disguised as Raquel's, weaving a fantasy that wasn't hers to own. This is merely another intricate game, designed to fray the nerves of an already beleaguered teacher, played by an unseen hand seeking to sow chaos.
Realizing the police's proficiency in German leaves her with few options, Raquel turns to Mauro, her desperation palpable as she pleads for answers. Armed with Viruca's apartment keys, she ventures in, determined to uncover the truth. Her search is meticulous, every inch of the space scrutinized for clues. And there, nestled within the walls, she discovers Viruca's phone, a potential gateway to understanding.
As she lifts the device, a flashback unfolds, transporting us to a scene of Tomas and Viruca's intimate entanglement. Viruca yearns for conversation, but Tomas is resolute, insisting their desires take precedence. Their lovemaking gives way to slumber, only to be disrupted by Iago's furious return, realizing with horror that his father shares Viruca's bed. In a fit of rage, Tomas physically ejects his son, sending him tumbling down the stairs, bloodied and broken, a pathetic sight on the floor.
Viruca, upon learning of this brutality, flees in revulsion, leaving Iago to watch her go, tears welling up behind an unyielding facade. Betrayed and forsaken by his father, Iago is cast out, with no other refuge but Viruca's doorstep. There, he spends the night, a testament to the shattering consequences of deceit and violence within the family's walls.
Unfortunately, Raquel's relentless pursuit of the investigation led her astray, inadvertently neglecting Nerea and arriving tardily to her lecture. Nerea, visibly displeased, retreated, leaving Raquel to navigate the situation alone until the weight of it all became unbearable. With a hurried apology, she fled the room, her mind in turmoil.
German, awakened by Raquel's fitful slumber filled with ominous dreams, particularly one that chilled her to the bone involving Ramon at school, confronted her directly about the haunting names she had cried out. Raquel, at a loss for words, retreated to the solitude of her room, pondering the puzzle pieces of her knowledge.
Determined to keep the investigation into Viruca's disappearance alive, Raquel ventured to the gym, where she managed to uncover Viruca's belongings. However, her plans were complicated by Nerea's unexpected presence, who promptly sent a message to Iago—whose swift arrival as the next figure we encounter hints at her involvement.
Feeling a sense of being watched, Raquel, while driving, made a daring attempt to secure Viruca's phone. But her focus was shattered as a biker materialized in front of her, forcing her to swerve wildly to avoid a collision. In the chaos, Raquel lost control, crashing the car and summoning paramedics who raced to the scene, their efforts a desperate attempt to save her from the aftermath of her reckless pursuit.
