The eighth episode of Ripple commences with Nate collecting the heartfelt gifts left by Finn's parents at the hospital, amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. Kris aids Aria in packing for her tour, their conversation veering towards Chris, a subject Aria believes stirs her partner's discontent with her impending departure. However, their conversation remains unspoken. Kris finds herself uncertain about her future, and Aria gently suggests volunteering at the hospital's therapeutic music class as a means of self-discovery.
At Nate's abode, Claire's excitement builds as she anticipates a movie night with Anna's sleepover, while Nate grapples with the anxiety of leaving Texas for his treatment and the financial uncertainty looming over his bar. Claire, ever the bright spot, offers him some of the money she earned from selling the diamond ring her mother bestowed upon her. Her efforts also secure a reduction in medical bills and assistance for her own predicament. Touched by her generosity, Nate decides to use the funds as a bonus for his employees.
As the party at Nate's bar nears, Walter receives an invitation from a sommelier to embark on a journey of wine exploration. Tara and Kris urge him to seize the opportunity, and as he embarks on his train ride, Walter is comforted by a vision of Brenda seeing him off.
As for Nate and Kris, they finally get the chance to have a heart-to-heart at the party. While Kris is eager to take their relationship to the next level, Nate hesitates, fearing he might not make it back to her emotionally. It's a bittersweet moment, given their mutual feelings, but before departing, Nate sends her a plant adorned with a letter, expressing his hope that they will find their way back to each other upon his return from treatment in Texas.
Career-wise, Kris reaches out to her former boss for assistance with her new musical project at the hospital. Meanwhile, Nate and Walter decide to embark on a business partnership, symbolizing their mutual support and growth. As Walter journeys on his train ride, he finds solace in the thought of Brenda watching over him, painting a poignant picture of hope and continuity amidst life's many transitions.
Unfortunately, the dynamics between Aria and John take a decidedly dismal turn. He shirks his attendance at her party, claiming a sickly indisposition. As Aria prepares to embark on her tour, their conversation escalates into a fiery altercation. John confesses his concerns that her mental well-being may be slipping into a perilous abyss, sharing his own struggles during her last dark phase. Aria is wounded by his choice of words and storms off. However, in a moment of reflection, she returns, only to overhear John on the phone, candidly expressing his relief that she is no longer around, as the past few months have been taxing for him. Heartbroken, she departs, ignoring his calls. To mitigate her sorrow, Aria indulges in Tara's playlist and recognizes Orion as the face in her mother's old photographs.
Elsewhere in the narrative, Ellis receives a pivotal opportunity when a magazine customer is impressed by her outlook on loss and love. The man is working on an article about the interconnectedness of life. Meanwhile, Tara decides to deepen her bond with Sylvie. On the other side of town, Claire narrowly avoids a catastrophe when she almost sets her building ablaze. As firefighters rush to the scene, she encounters her new neighbor, Jack, who invites her for coffee.
The season 1 finale of Ripple offers a glimpse into Calvert's life, whose son received Brenda's heart. The episode teases a chance encounter between her and Walter at a store but alas, they never get the chance to engage in a meaningful conversation. The show concludes with Aria listening to Orion's song and Nate preparing to leave for Texas, harboring hope for his eventual return.
