In the year 2023, the second episode of The Crystal Cuckoo unfolds with a quest for the missing infant, Manuela. Clara has integrated into the local community, but with a chaperone in tow. Marta, ever the protective mother figure, assigns Juan to babysit Clara, fearing she might get lost in this new world. The lady from the memorial, Maria, also makes an appearance, revealing herself as Carlos' girlfriend and warning Clara of the family's past mistreatment towards him. As for Juan, he baffles at Clara's interest in Carlos's past, not understanding why it matters.
Flashback to 2004, where Juan and Carlos are seen playing football. Carlos's leg is broken in a mishap, and Marta chastises Juan for his carelessness. The doctor's diagnosis reveals a deeper issue—Carlos suffers from a bone condition that requires further testing. Meanwhile, Miguel, the determined investigator, grills Toni, the bartender. Toni spills the beans that Luisa was a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of Gabriel. However, Gabriel's influential connections pressure Miguel to close the case, claiming Luisa's death was a result of her reckless behavior while under the influence. But Miguel's curiosity prevails when he learns that Luisa had reported Gabriel for abuse and later retracted her statement.
In 2023, Maria returns home to find her father, Paco, lost in a haze behind his drums. Surrounded by empty beer bottles and with a bleeding head, Paco's state is a stark reminder of the dark secrets lurking in their family's past. Rumors circulate in Marta's restaurant that Paco may have been involved in Manuela's disappearance, part of a string of mysterious disappearances that have haunted the town for years.
Moni delves deeper into her research and sends Clara a chilling video revealing that Miguel vanished alongside Silvia. Despite the weight of this information, Clara's heart remains steadfast in her search for Manuela. Her vigilance is rewarded when she spots a man wearing a bird mask dancing eerily in front of Manuela. The masked figure hears her approach and makes a run for it, leaving Clara weakened and unconscious from the shock.
Returning to 2004, Juan feels a heavy weight on his conscience as Marta lays the blame for Carlos's injury at his feet. Miguel offers comfort and they engage in a heart-to-heart about Magda, Miguel's sister who left their lives behind long ago. In this heartfelt conversation, Miguel imparts a crucial lesson to Juan—to protect women from abusers at all costs.
In the year 2023, Clara awakens to the sterile environment of a hospital, her body seemingly in rebellion against the new heart that beats within her. The doctor's concern etches itself onto her brow, a whisper of uncertainty that she must heed. Meanwhile, Manuela's safe rescue echoes as a distant relief. Maria, a nurse with a gentle touch, is her guardian angel in this time of uncertainty.
Clara's curiosity is piqued by the ominous warning, and Maria reveals that Carlos's obsession with Miguel's disappearance and the family's lack of support led him to take an unfortunate path—a suicide that leaves a bitter aftertaste. As they make their way home, Clara turns to Juan for answers, and he plays the diplomat, carefully weaving a tale of brotherly love and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Carlos's demise.
Upon their arrival, Marta's reproachful gaze lands on Juan, blaming him for Clara's recent fainting. Flashbacks reveal Marta's concern in 2004 when she hears of Miguel's near-assault on Gabriel. She harbors a deep-seated fear of Miguel's rage and vows to never teach her son to resort to violence. In that moment of reflection, she notices a striking similarity—Magda and Luisa both wearing the same wing-shaped necklace.
In 2023, Maria's silent surveillance of Clara on social media stirs up a whirlwind of intrigue. And as Clara snoops around, Maria's video of Carlos doing the same dance as the man in the bird mask serves as a chilling reminder of the past's lingering shadow.
