During a violent storm at Evelyn Bay, teenage Kieran was trapped in a sea cave and tried to swim out as waves crashed around him. His brother Finn and friend Toby rushed to rescue him in a boat, but the boat flipped in the storm, resulting in the deaths of Finn and Toby. A girl named Gabby Burch also went missing that day, but her disappearance was not widely discussed afterward.

Kieran returns to Evelyn Bay with his partner Mia and baby Aubrey. His mother, Verity, picks them up and there is tension, as she blames Kieran for Finn's death. At home, Kieran's father Brian, who appears to have dementia, mistakes Kieran for Finn, adding to the emotional complexity of Kieran's return.

Bronte is a girl taking photos on the beach as part of a summer project about the town. She is a friend of Olivia and Trish and knew Gabby well, being her best friend when Gabby vanished. Bronte investigates Gabby's disappearance and discovers clues, including a baby hat and photos that hint at deeper mysteries. She also interacts with Mia and other characters, seeking answers about Gabby's fate.

At a pub, Kieran and Mia meet with friends, but the atmosphere turns tense when Liam, the son of Toby (one of the men who died in the boat accident), confronts Kieran aggressively. Liam shouts at Kieran, leading to Kieran throwing a jug of beer at him. This confrontation shocks everyone and prompts Kieran and Mia to leave the bar.

It is revealed that Sean, a character connected to the town, was responsible for Gabby's death and also killed Bronte when she confronted him. Sean's father, Julian, knew about Sean's actions but hid the truth from authorities. Sean tried to frame Brian, Kieran's father, for the murders and attempted to kill his childhood friend to cover up his crimes. Eventually, Verity discovers the truth and alerts the police, leading to Sean's arrest.