In the fourth episode of The Crystal Cuckoo, we find Braulio aiming for Paco with a shot that unfortunately veers off course, striking Maria instead. A stroke of luck sees her survive the ordeal, but in the ensuing chaos, Clara delves into Carlos' research on the missing persons.
It's 2005, and Miguel has been doggedly pursuing Gabriel for a year. Gabriel had withdrawn all his funds and vanished before the fire. Miguel's obsession with Gabriel has taken a toll on his familial relationships, as he becomes increasingly absent. Carlos is subjected to bullying, and in a fit of frustration, Miguel blames Juan for not keeping an eye on his brother.
One night, Silvia, the gas station clerk, is making her way home when a mysterious car pulls up in front of her. In 2023, Chelo, Silvia's mother, accuses Marta of being her husband's accomplice. When Marta rants to Juan, he finally confesses to seeing Miguel covered in blood before he disappeared. Juan is convinced that his father is guilty, and this conviction swayed Marta. She confides in Rafa, who tries to reassure her that Miguel is not a murderer.
In 2005, it's the day after Silvia's disappearance. Miguel notices a path leading from the crime scene to Gabriel's cabin in the woods. However, the sergeant orders him to keep a low profile and let the Madrid detectives handle the case.
Meanwhile, Juan confronts Julio, Carlos' bully. Julio apologizes, but Juan beats him up regardless. Marta accuses Miguel of being distant, and he agrees to a date night to make amends. However, their happiness is short-lived as he dumps Marta after the date to stake out Gabriel's cabin. His efforts pay off as he spots Gabriel.
In 2023, Paco looks after Maria, and she jokes that she has learned how to fend for herself. Paco looks guilty and claims he can't change but that she can be more than a drunk's daughter. He begs her to leave town.
Elsewhere, Clara carries Carlos' investigation to Juan's attention. As they delve deeper into the details, Juan confesses a startling realization—that he may be as tainted as his father. Clara soothes him with words of comfort, and in the aftermath, they find themselves drawn to each other.
In 2005, Miguel confronts Gabriel with a fierce display of aggression, leaving him bruised and beaten. Gabriel doesn't deny the accusations but insists on speaking only to the sergeant. Miguel returns home, visibly upset, and Juan notices Gabriel's blood on his clothes. The next morning, Marta presents Miguel with an ultimatum, but he promises to explain everything once he's had a chance to speak with Gabriel in person.
He returns to the cabin determined to put an end to things once and for all, reaching for his gun to take aim at Gabriel. But just when all seems set for a violent resolution, Rafa appears, trying to intervene and stop Miguel from taking the final step. Gabriel taunts Miguel, claiming he is responsible for the deaths of Magda and Silvia. The pressure becomes too much for Miguel, and he is unable to pull the trigger. In a moment of vulnerability, Rafa hugs him—only for Rafa to then pull out his own gun and shoot Miguel.
