As the eighth chapter of Sullivan’s Crossing unfolds, Maggie Sullivan (played by Morgan Kohan) awakens to a phone call from Phoebe, who has caught wind of the incident involving Andrew. Maggie firmly asserts that she merely needs some solitude to ponder over everything. Meanwhile, at the store, Harry 'Sully' Sullivan (portrayed by Scott Patterson) engages in a conversation with Frank (Tom Jackson) about the night's events at the bar, confessing that Maggie has shunned him due to his act of painting over her mural. Frank, seeking a lift to an upcoming meeting, offers Sully a chance to lend a helping hand.
Sydney catches up with Maggie, bearing drinks and donuts as a gesture of camaraderie. Maggie reminisces about her return to the town during her summer at fifteen, sparking a heartfelt discussion about Andrew, whose trust has been irreparably shattered by his ex-wife's infidelity. When Sydney inquiries about her feelings for Andrew, Maggie confessionally admits that she is currently at a loss, uncertain of her emotions. Sydney comforts her by mentioning that Cal (Chad Michael Murray) is feeling better after some ice therapy, prompting Maggie to consider visiting him later.
Frank breaks the news to Edna (Andrea Menard) that Sully has kindly offered to chauffeur him to the meeting later in the day. Edna, who has already secured plane tickets, urges Frank to inform Sully about their impending departure. While Frank questions the timing, Edna insists that it might present Sully and Maggie with an opportunity to reconcile. With tickets booked and hearts set, Edna believes they need this break.
Maggie pays a visit to Cal to ensure his wellbeing. Cal speculates that Andrew's actions were fueled by excessive alcohol consumption, to which Maggie responds by stating that this is no excuse. She confides in Cal about Andrew's departure, acknowledging that it could potentially be for the better. Maggie has a tendency to isolate herself when people get too close, a behavior her mother attributes to her childhood. Resolved to stay until the trial concludes, Maggie opens up to Cal, who tries to comfort her. She notices that he listens intently, a rarity in the men she knows. Cal cautions her against suppressing her emotions, suggesting that it could exacerbate her struggles. He believes he has a solution that might bring her relief.
As Frank prepares for his departure, Edna gently reminds him to broach the topic of their trip with Sully. Elsewhere, Rafe Vadas (Dakota Taylor) drops by the café, informing Rob (Reid Price) of his day off. Rob encourages Sydney to take the day off and spend it with Rafe, successfully persuading her to seize the moment. Sydney speaks to Rafe, who eagerly agrees to pick her up in a matter of hours. Cal, eager to share a coping mechanism that helped him through his wife's illness, introduces Maggie to the primal scream technique. He guides her to recall a memory from her past to facilitate the process. Maggie recollections of the day she was separated from her father prompt a heart-wrenching scream. Cal reassuringly notes that such a reaction is entirely natural, calming Maggie's embarrassment. Meanwhile, Jackson (T. Thomason) meets Kaleb (Calem MacDonald) for their scheduled climbing session, unaware of the emotional turmoil unfolding elsewhere.
Kaleb reveals that his major remains undeclared, as he seeks to embrace a bit of fun before diving into serious studies. Jackson, empathizing, shares his tale of aspired architecture thwarted by soaring tuition fees. Compounding his woes, his parents are undergoing a separation, a situation his father views with optimism, while his mother fears for his safety should he follow in his dad's footsteps on the police force. Kaleb suggests counseling, recounting its positive impact on his own parents' situation, but Jackson doubts its efficacy, noting their inability to even coexist in the same space. Jackson laments his wish for their ceaseless squabbling to end. Kaleb proposes a post-lesson outing to help Jackson's mind wander from his troubles.
Elsewhere, Frank approaches Sully with a heartfelt desire to speak with him, acknowledging his silence during a recent meeting. Sully admits he was taken aback by Frank's hospital stay but insists he is now fine. Meanwhile, Cal confides in Maggie about the haunting memory of his wife's final moments, watching her suffer while clinging to false hope that they'd grow old together. Maggie, too, bares her soul, revealing her own scream echoed the moment her mother took her away, leaving her to believe she had done something wrong, endlessly awaiting Sully's rescue that never came.
Rafe impresses Sydney by picking her up on his motorcycle for a thrilling ride, culminating in a heartfelt conversation aimed at deepening their understanding of each other. However, Sydney becomes evasive when discussing her life in New York, ultimately storming off. Jackson, preparing to climb with Kaleb, finds himself rushing for help as Kaleb succumbs to nausea and dizziness. Maggie swiftly diagnoses Kaleb, possibly suffering from vertigo or an inner ear issue, and treats him, offering to teach him how to manage it.
Upon Frank and Sully's return, Edna announces their upcoming vacation, leaving Sully flustered over the campground's impending manpower shortage. Cal, reflecting on life's unpredictability, expresses his hesitation to return to a job that doesn't fulfill him. Jackson's interruption to seek help for Kaleb draws attention away from this introspective moment. Rafe attempts to reconcile with Sydney, who reveals her anxiety when discussing New York. They agree to share lunch, hoping to mend fences. Maggie, efficiently attending to Kaleb, encourages others to find joy in special moments for themselves.
He yearns to escort her to his cherished sanctuary, a sentiment Sully endorses to Frank, brushing it off as bookings have dwindled anyway. Maggie confides that Cal's favorite haunt was hers too, sharing with him the dynamics of her bond with Phoebe. Kaleb, weary to the bone, declines the invitation for an evening out but suggests they embark on an authentic climbing expedition the following day, an idea Jackson warmly embraces. Kaleb further exhorts Jackson to come clean with his father about his aspiration to become an architect.
Cal unfolds his personal history to Maggie, revealing how his parents' wanderlust left little room for conventional education, leading him to reside with his grandparents during his high school years. Sullivan's Crossing stands as a rare oasis where he has genuinely felt tranquility in ages. Spontaneously, Cal dares Maggie to plunge into the depths below.
Upon Sydney's return, she learns of Rob's unavailability to spend time with Finn. Meanwhile, Cal and Maggie leap into the water in tandem, their plunge culminating in a fleeting kiss from Maggie, followed swiftly by an apology. They consensus to head back. Later that evening, Sully inquires about Maggie's whereabouts, considering it an opportune moment for a heart-to-heart, though Maggie sees no cause for discussion. Surprised by her return, Sully ponders if things had taken a turn for the worse. Maggie reveals years of resentment, believing Sully replaced her by welcoming Lola into his home. Sully clarifies, explaining Lola stayed due to her battle with cancer. He wonders if Walter fueled her misconceptions, expressing dismay at Phoebe's elopement with such a man. Maggie defends Walter, emphasizing he has been her steadfast pillar.
With a headache looming, Sully decides to retire for the night. Maggie peruses letters, noticing Sully's accumulation of final notices.
