The episode unfolds with Jed Jones (John Ralston), his voice laden with solemnity, informing his son Cal (Chad Michael Murray) that the insidious cancer has infiltrated his pancreas, and that he has resolved against pursuing further treatment. Meanwhile, Harry 'Sully' Sullivan (Scott Patterson), armed with a bouquet, pays a visit to Edna Cranebear (Andrea Menard) at the Outpost. She inquiries after the wellbeing of Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), to which he replies that he has only heard whispers of their safe arrival. He then reveals his plans to proceed to Helen's (Kate Vernon) cabin to conclude the repairs he had started.
Cal awakens at the break of dawn, inadvertently disturbing Maggie in the process. With a heart heavy with concern for his father, he confides in her, seeking solace in the crisp morning air.
As Sully toils away at Helen's cabin, he takes a moment to commend her book, which he has finally had the chance to finish, expressing genuine admiration. Helen, hopeful, wonders if this newfound appreciation marks a shift in his stance on romance. However, Sully brusquely brushes her off, turning his back on her and focusing instead on the door.
Frank Cranebear (Tom Jackson) accompanies Jacob Cranebear (Joel Oulette) to the Outpost for a pre-shift breakfast. Jacob, curious, inquires if Lola Gunderson (Amalia Williamson) might join them, imagining a shared adventure collecting lichen samples. Edna offers Frank's assistance, but Frank, aware of his own limitations, dismisses the idea, suggesting Jacob might prefer an unhindered partner. Jacob, however, warmly embraces the offer of additional help.
Marissa Jones (Torri Higginson), eyes reflecting her anxiety, engages Maggie in a conversation about Jed's decision to forgo treatment. Maggie acknowledges that medical intervention could possibly extend his life, but the uncertainty of its duration looms large. Marissa confesses her worries for Cal, foreseeing the immense emotional toll this will take on him. She delves deeper into Cal's childhood, painting a picture of a young boy forced to mature beyond his years.
Rob Shandon, alias Reid Price, confides in Sydney Shandon (Lindura) that the prospect of relocating to a more opportunities-laden locale looms, driven by his futile job search. Maggie endeavors to engage Cal in a heartfelt conversation about his childhood memories and current emotions, but he responds candidly, admitting his own confusion over what he truly feels at present. Persuading him with gentle perseverance, Maggie convinces Cal to embark on a balloon ride with her.
The newly appointed Fire Chief lays into Rafe Vadas (Dakota Taylor), criticizing him severely for neglecting to submit incident reports and insisting that these be completed promptly before the start of his workday. Meanwhile, amidst the hunt for Lichen, Jacob shares with Frank a heartfelt sentiment—his father's earnest desire for a reunion. Frank echoes this longing, revealing a mutual yearning for reconnection.
Sydney drops by the Outpost, her thoughts turned towards assisting Edna if needed. Sully, sensing her concern over Rob's predicament of losing his new venue, offers condolences. Sydney elaborates on Rob's struggle to secure employment and subsequent inclination to relocate for a culinary career. Edna declares their reluctance to let this happen, prompting Sydney to emphasize the urgency unless an undisclosed option surfaces. Sully, eyes twinkling with a hint of a plan, suggests he might just have an idea.
As Cal and Maggie ascend into the sky on their balloon ride, Maggie gently encourages Cal to mend bridges with his father if he so desires. He responds with a shake of his head, doubting the feasibility of reconciliation. Her words of reassurance follow swiftly, assuring him that regardless of his choice, she stands firmly by his side. Cal offers her a heartfelt thank you, their bond strengthening amidst the panoramic views below.
Sully unveils to Sydney and Rob the very spot he had envisioned for them. Rob, however, declines, explaining that he still owes Sully the funds granted to him for the launch of his maiden restaurant. Sully gently reminds him it was a gesture of goodwill, before delving into how Glenn Perry, alias Dean Armstrong, is amassing land adjacent to his own and how a renowned chef could be a boon for The Crossing.
Cal's conversation with his mother unfolds, but it lacks the warmth one might hope for. He reminisces about their shared youth, emphasizing their need for her presence then, which she sacrificed for Jed. She justifies her actions, saying she desired Cal to have a father figure, imperfections and all. He apologizes, acknowledging his obliviousness to her struggles. She responds by asserting that it was hardest on his father.
Jed confides in Maggie, expressing gratitude for her presence in Cal's life, believing it allows him peace as he prepares to depart this world. He reveals his heartbreak when Cal relocated, a mystery until now solved. Jed harbors hope for reconciliation but fears it may be beyond reach. Maggie offers a glimmer of optimism, but Jed laments Cal's clear stance against him.
On their excursion, Jacob and Frank stumble upon Lichen, victims of environmental pollutants, a realization that dawns on Frank, linking it to the adjacent opulent resort construction.
Cal shares his mother's conversation with Maggie but asserts his reluctance to reconnect with Jed. Maggie persists, emphasizing Jed's desire for amends. Cal doubts the timeliness, but Maggie urges him to seize this opportunity for Jed's sake, recalling her own transformation in perception towards Sully after hearing his perspective. Cal argues he cannot endure another farewell akin to that with Lynne Baxter Jones. Maggie warns of potential regrets.
Cal requests to sit beside his father as Jed rests. Marissa, sensing the moment's significance, grants them solitude. In this intimate space, Cal's mind drifts back to a nostalgic evening when Jed gave him a reassuring piggyback ride after a terrifying nightmare.
Jacob and Frank make their way back to The Outpost, eager to impart to Sully and Edna the revelations unearthed during their journey. Sully listens intently, suggesting that their findings could very well be the key to neutralizing the threat. Edna, ever the pragmatist, underscores the necessity of concrete proof. Frank promptly asserts that they indeed possess such evidence, prompting Jacob to produce the Lichen sample and vow to have it meticulously analyzed. Sully, aware of the potential for toxicity, emphasizes the urgency of shutting down the perpetrator forthwith.
Elsewhere, Maggie confides in Marissa about her reconciliation with Sully, expressing her hope that Cal can extend forgiveness to Jed, as she did to Sully. Marissa, in turn, recounts her encounter with Jed and the progression of his condition, revealing how her life has revolved around caring for him, leaving her uncertain of her future once he's gone. Moved by Marissa's plight, Maggie extends an invitation for her to find solace at the Crossing.
Jed awakens to find Cal waiting patiently by his bedside. Cal unburdens his heart, relating his dream and reminding Jed of his promise to shield him from monsters. Jed, acknowledging his shortcomings, admits he tried but fell short. Cal confronts him about neglecting the pills and his absence during his time of need. Jed confesses that the medication only deepened his sense of detachment, hindering his ability to be the father Cal deserved. He apologizes, acknowledging the possibility that his intentions, though sincere, may have led him astray. Jed realizes with poignant clarity that the monster Cal feared was none other than himself. Cal, recognizing his own flight from inner demons, offers his forgiveness and reaches out to hold his father's hand.
Later, Cal thanks Maggie for her wisdom, acknowledging that hearing Jed out was vital, though he wishes he had done so years prior. He also apologizes to Marissa for having judged her too hastily.
Frank, Sully, and Jacob return to The Outpost with urgent news for Edna: the NSEA is dispatching an inspector first thing in the morning, destined to make an unannounced visit to Glenn. Meanwhile, Sydney, upon returning home from a grueling day at the firehouse, informs Rafe of Sully's proposition. Rafe's lack of enthusiasm prompts Sydney to apologize once again for the predicament she's landed him in with Cooper (Steve Lund).
Elsewhere, Jed shares with Cal and Maggie his plans for a final adventure with Marissa to the majestic Grand Canyon. Cal enthusiastically endorses the idea.
The following dawn, the inspector arrives at Glenn's bustling construction site, accompanied by Sully and Frank. After a thorough inspection, the inspector finds no irregularities. Glenn confronts Sully, warning him that he's crossed a line this time and should be wary of his surroundings from now on.
Cal pitches in to help Jed and Marissa prepare the old school bus for their impending journey. As Marissa and Maggie venture inside to organize the cooler, Jed confides in Cal, expressing his pride in the man Cal has grown into. Cal extends his gratitude, and Jed hopes that one day, Cal will recount tales of his exploits to his own children. Cal reassuringly vows to do so. They exchange heartfelt declarations of love and Jed presents Maggie and Cal with a gift, meant to be opened in their absence. With a touch of curiosity, Cal unwraps the present to reveal a carved sculpture of a father giving his son a piggyback ride, a tender moment frozen in time. The episode concludes on this poignant note.
