It’s the kind of day Summer Bay will not forget in a hurry. One year ago, a wedding turned into a tragedy. Now Eden is determined to turn the anniversary into something beautiful, even if it means going behind her husband’s back.
A husband with a plan (and a very green smoothie)
Cash has found comfort in an online support group for people living with Eden’s condition. A woman called Melanie has become his guide, with tips on diet, exercise and staying hopeful. Her advice has led to kale, iron-rich meals and the now-infamous “tofu surprise.”
Cash is trying his best, and it shows. Remi takes one sniff of the food and quips that the only surprise is that anyone actually eats it. Even Eden, who has her doubts about the diet, jokes that it’s a bit like her husband: a little boring at the start, but wonderful once you add the right ingredients. 😄
But under the humour, there’s a gap between them. Cash clings to hope. Eden says she simply can’t be optimistic because it feels fake to her. “I’ll just have to have enough optimism for the two of us,” Cash tells her.
“We’re not risking your health”
Eden has had a blood transfusion and her energy is back, so she wants to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. Cash says no. After weeks of watching her struggle, the idea of a big party feels like a risk he can’t take.
He opens up to Levi, wondering if he’s the worst husband in the world. Levi asks the question straight: is this about protecting her? Cash’s answer is simple. It’s about not sacrificing her health for a party. Even Levi has to admit that sounds like exactly what a good husband would do.
Eden isn’t giving up, though. She calls in Remi and tells him this could be her first and last anniversary. She wants a night that’s romantic, but “not soppy.” Remi worries Cash will be furious, and Eden’s reply says it all: if he won’t help, she’ll do it anyway.
A day of two halves in Summer Bay
While Eden plans a celebration, Leah and Justin are quietly remembering Theo on the first anniversary of his death. They book a hotel and plan to visit his grave together. Lacey and her friend also share a tender moment, laughing and aching over the little things they miss most, like Theo’s pizza deliveries, his singing in the kitchen and the way he teased everyone.
Justin is also carrying a letter from Zane. Marilyn wants to write back, and Justin worries that opening that door again could undo all her hard work. A small ray of hope comes from Leah, who invites Richie to move in. Justin isn’t sold on the idea yet, but he’s slowly coming around.
The surprise
In the end, it’s Levi’s bad acting that gives the game away. He tries to lure Cash out for a walk, then a swim, and Cash sees straight through him. Levi blurts out the truth and begs Cash to act surprised when they arrive. Cash doesn’t know whether to be angry or happy.
Then he walks in and sees Eden in a stunning red dress. Friends and family are gathered around. For a moment, it’s as if the year has rolled backwards and they’re standing at the altar again.
“Fancy seeing you here,” Cash says softly.
A lunch with a lot at stake
Elsewhere, a different kind of tension is simmering. Lacey’s widowed dad is bringing his girlfriend Amelia to a family lunch, and everyone is trying very hard to look relaxed. One of his kids insists the photos of their late mum will stay on the wall. If Amelia wants to be part of this family, she’ll have to accept that.
Will Amelia find a place at that table?
What’s next?
Cash got his surprise and Eden got her celebration. But Eden’s biggest fear hasn’t gone away: will she live to see another anniversary?
