The eighth episode of Yellowjackets' third season opens its past timeline with Misty awakening amidst the dense forest, her eyes struggling to focus without her glasses. She clutches them and begins her unsteady journey through the untamed wilderness, while Akilah and Travis accompany Kodi, their footsteps echoing through the woods. Travis delivers a stark reality check to Akilah, reminding her that she is no grand prophet or seer; their supposed visions were merely the product of "cave fumes," and he had been indulging Lottie's fantasy from the outset. Akilah remains silent but subtly marks tree branches with string, crafting a modern-day Hansel and Gretel trail for their campmates to follow. Misty soon catches on and relays this discovery to the team, who are in the midst of interrogating Hannah about her knowledge. It transpires that Hannah knows very little and possesses no navigational skills, suggesting that Kodi might hold the key to their escape.
The group catches up with Kodi and brings him back to camp, where he reveals they are merely six days from navigating their way out of the wilderness. However, Lottie disagrees, convinced that they "no longer belong" in that world. The rest of the Yellowjackets are ecstatic, believing they have found a safe haven awaiting their return. But when Akilah ventures into the pen, she encounters a disturbing sight—all the animals lie lifeless. Her vision shatters as Lottie taps her on the shoulder, revealing the animals to be very much alive. It becomes evident that Akilah's sanity is slipping, while Lottie clings to her delusion, convinced that "It" is communicating with them.
As everyone prepares to pack their gear and leave, Lottie insists on staying in the wilderness. She is not alone in this sentiment, as Tai and Shauna share her reservations, sensing an unease about returning home. They believe there is "something amiss" and, unfortunately, refuse to allow the others to depart either.
After an eerie dream filled with fluttering moths, flickering lights, and an ominous scanning of meat, Shauna awakens disoriented, finding herself standing outside Alex's residence. Armed with a knife tucked discreetly into her shirt sleeve, she forcibly enters the premises, driven by an urgent need to confront Alex. However, her quest is thwarted when she discovers Alex in a blissful domestic setup with Melissa and their child. Seeking refuge, Shauna conceals herself in a closet, observing as they prepare for breakfast. Yet, Melissa, intuitive and perceptive, senses her presence and confronts her, wielding a knife, after the others have left the house.
Much water has flowed under the bridge in the span of 25 years. Melissa, now known as Kelly, has undergone a transformative life shift by marrying the daughter of the woman whose life they once terminated—a move that marks a radical departure from her past. She confesses that this was her only escape route from that world and her desire to sever ties with the Yellowjackets. Moreover, her feelings for Shauna were never romantic but rather rooted in fear.
A crucial revelation emerges: Melissa was the originator of the tape, whose significance will soon unfold. Unburdening herself, Melissa admits to having crafted a fulfilling life here. However, she has been haunted by nightmarish visions lately. Seeking solace, she consults her therapist, Barbara, who deduces that Melissa is grappling with unresolved issues and needs to let go of whatever binds her. Hence, the tape, stored in a safety deposit box, was never a tool of intimidation but a gesture of self-forgiveness. Accompanying the tape was a note, cleverly concealed by Callie from her mother.
The familiar narrative of misunderstandings arises once again, but Shauna remains steadfast in her conviction, refusing to acknowledge her misconceptions. She believes she has unraveled the entire murder mystery, yet her actions reveal a mind clouded by rage and influenced by the same delusions that once plagued Misty. Shauna, blinded by fury, confronts Melissa, determined to deprive her of a normal life.
Elsewhere, Jeff embarks on a dinner outing with Callie but is met with an unwelcome surprise when he encounters those same investors in the dining room. In an awkward attempt to renegotiate a deal, he embarrasses himself. Just then, Misty calls, revealing Shauna's alarming disappearance.
After hanging up the phone, Misty and Tai hurried over to the Palliative Care wing of the hospital, driven by Tai's unsettling conviction that sacrificing a life was the only way to placate "It" and, consequently, spare Van's. Determined, Tai entered a patient's room but found herself unable to choke the life out of him. Instead, her loud curses inexplicably ceased the man's heartbeat. Mission accomplished, perhaps? Or maybe not, as the subsequent scene depicted Tai detaching herself, watching another version of herself within a hospital room as if from afar.
Back at the motel, Callie jolted Jeff out of his melancholic stupor, insisting that he pull himself together. They had finally reached the conclusion that neither a benevolent spirit nor a murderous psychopath was pursuing them, nor was anyone intent on their demise. With this realization, they decided to pack their belongings and head back home.
Elsewhere, Melissa confronted Shauna bluntly, accusing her of perpetually creating her own problems and always seeking scapegoats rather than owning up to her actions. Melissa pressed on, stating that Shauna merely sought to inflict her misery onto others. However, Shauna's true nature soon emerged. She wrestled with Melissa, ultimately sinking her teeth into her arm and tearing off a fleshy chunk, commanding Melissa to "eat it" or face exposure of their deeds.
