Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Maeve returns from America and meets Otis and Aimee before going to the hospital. Sean initially treats Erin's condition as another crisis she will survive, but the siblings learn that she has died shortly before they were called in. Maeve cannot bring herself to view her mother's body and waits with a crossword while Sean goes alone. Her friends remain outside, unsure how to help without intruding. At Cavendish, Ruby is left managing Otis's absent campaign and learns that Maeve is back. O challenges Ruby's reasons for supporting him, deepening the hurt of being kept outside his decisions.
Jean struggles through work and childcare until O joins her radio show and helps the conversation flow more easily. Michael calls under a false name to discuss his difficulty moving on from Maureen. Hearing him on air prompts Maureen to visit, where they admit missing each other and kiss. Adam, meanwhile, grows more confident with the horses under Jem's guidance. Eric is drawn back to the church's soup kitchen and learns that it has lost its funding; Abbi joins him to help. At the hospital, Maeve finally leaves the crossword and tells her friends what happened. Otis and Aimee take her home and stay overnight, offering company while she begins facing a loss she cannot yet fully express.