The opening of Episode 1 of Ripple finds Aria's voice narrating the intricate web of human connections, how one seemingly insignificant decision can reshape our lives forever. The scene shifts to a woman embarking on a taxi ride to meet her husband, whom she's been married to for three decades, at the exact spot where their love story began. Along the way, she engages in a heartfelt conversation with the driver, her words imbued with a wisdom that inspires him to cherish every moment.
Brenda, on her anniversary journey with her husband, decides to revisit their past and celebrates their love in a quaint local bar. Their plans take a turn as they decide to explore the neighborhood's hidden gems.
Meanwhile, Nate is en route to visit his six-year-old deaf daughter, who resides with his ex-wife, Claire. The couple's divorce is fresh, making the situation awkward for both. Claire clings to the hope of a reunion, while Nate appears ready to embark on a new chapter. As Nate departs Claire's place, a small mischief from Aria takes an unexpected turn when he is hit by a stone and rushed to the hospital. The doctor, concerned about Nate's persistent cough, decides on a chest scan.
Nate's anxiety spirals out of control as he ruminates on his newfound healthy lifestyle and his childhood memories. However, the chest CT scan reveals a lung nodule, prompting the doctor to suggest a biopsy. As the procedure is explained, Nate's mind drifts into a state of shock.
In another corner of the story, Kris, a music industry professional feeling uninspired by her mundane job, yearns to discover an artist worthy of being signed. When her boss signs a new group that doesn't resonate with her, she decides to quit and find her true calling. She ends up at the park, lost in thought about her next move.
As the days unfold, Aria's heart aches with disappointment as she realizes that her year-long effort with her husband to conceive a child has yielded no results. Confiding in her therapist, she admits her struggles, and the therapist gently suggests returning to her passion for music and the solace of walks in nature, hoping to lift her spirits.
Meanwhile, Nate grapples with the impending opening of his bar, while his employee Ellis frets over her own artistic aspirations. She longs for a breakthrough, but it seems to be taking an eternity. Just as the bar is about to open, Kris forces her way in, insisting on being served by Nate.
Across town, Nate prepares a hearty breakfast for his wife, only to find her lifeless in their bedroom. The shock of her sudden departure is overwhelming for him. Walter, consumed by grief, focuses on Brenda's funeral and there, meets Tara, a church friend of Brenda's. Tara extends an invitation to join the church's grief support group, but Walter, though touched, declines—not quite ready to embrace faith.
Owen, one of Nate's performers, gives up on his dream of stardom and leaves his guitar at the park. Aria stumbles upon it and, inspired by its melancholic tones, decides to pick up her own musical journey again.
Later in the evening, Kris listens intently to the artists at Nate's bar, seeking a voice that resonates with her. As the night deepens, she and Nate find solace in each other's company. She leaves behind her tree with him, promising to return for it the next day. As she departs, she assures Nate that everything will be alright.
In the evening hours, Aria shares her heartache with her husband, John. The next morning, Walter discovers the small blue stone that Aria used to tap Nate on the head earlier in the episode. As he walks through the park, he drops it thoughtfully, a symbol of loss and new beginnings.
Kris embarks on her morning jog, only to trip over a stone carelessly left by Walter. She dislodges her earbuds to assess her injury and overhears Aria serenading the park. Fascinated, she follows Aria in secret, who is deep in conversation with her mother on the phone, discussing the possibility of a job and inviting her to visit more often. After the call, Kris introduces herself to Aria, who generously offers to take her to her abode for first aid. As they chat, Kris fabricates a tale of meeting her friend at the building, coaxing Aria into serenading her. Impressed, Kris extends an offer to secure a gig for Aria at Nate's bar. Aria accepts hesitantly, and on her way out, Kris meets John, introduced by Aria.
Nate collects his daughter from school after his biopsy treatment. On the way home, he learns that his cheque has bounced, setting off a chain of events. As his cough worsens, Nate becomes distracted, leading Anna to fret and almost get hit by oncoming traffic. Post the incident, Nate takes Anna to Claire's hospital as she's a nurse. The duo engages in an argument over the bounced cheque, with Claire seemingly taking actions without Nate's knowledge. Anna picks up on their bickering, and a young boy named Finn also notices her.
In the evening, Walter pays a visit to Nate's bar to honor his wife. Overhearing Nate's financial woes on the phone, they bump into each other in the restroom and Walter helps Nate fix the leaking toilet sink. As he leaves, Walter overhears Ellis sing, evoking memories of Tara's advice.
Kris arrives, requesting a favor from Nate and promptly fainting. He brings her to the back and invites her to hang out after she regains consciousness. The two share a laugh about her day and Kris inquires if Aria could perform at the bar. Nate surprises her by offering Owen's spot instead.
The next day, Walter joins the grief group at the church. Tara warmly welcomes him despite his hesitance about being a devout Christian. Tara, a lesbian herself, empathizes with Walter's struggles. He invites her for dinner later that evening. Meanwhile, Aria practices her singing at home while Nate receives a call from his doctor; Kris shows up for support and Walter for Tara's company. As they wait for Aria and Tara to arrive, Kris and Walter toast to their respective companionships.
Unfortunately, Aria becomes anxious and turns back on her way to the bar.
