The emotional waves continue to crash over Home and Away fans next week as Summer Bay bids a tearful farewell to yet another beloved resident. In a storyline packed with raw emotion,

heartfelt goodbyes, and difficult choices, Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) faces one of her toughest moments yet — saying goodbye to young Cohen, the boy she had hoped to call her own.

As she grapples with the pain of letting go, the ripple effect touches every corner of the Bay, reminding everyone just how fragile love and family can be in this small coastal town.

After weeks of emotional turmoil, John Palmer (Shane Withington) also struggles to adjust to Irene’s absence. Though he insists he’s fine, it’s clear the void she’s left is taking its toll. Determined to convince himself and his friends that he’s coping, John masks his loneliness behind a brave smile. But when Justin (James Stewart) catches him shedding a quiet tear on the balcony after dinner, it’s obvious his facade is cracking. Wanting to lift John’s spirits, Justin hatches a plan — a friendly poker night with Alf (Ray Meagher) and John — hoping a bit of male bonding will do the trick.

However, in typical Summer Bay fashion, nothing ever goes quite to plan. When Justin suggests the idea to Alf, the old-timer is quick to agree, but things take a turn when Leah (Ada Nicodemou) insists on joining in. Justin awkwardly explains that it’s meant to be a “men-only” night, leaving Leah unimpressed. “You’re banning me from my own home for a card game?” she fires back.

Meanwhile, at the surf club, John prepares for the night, showing off his poker face to Marilyn and Abigail, joking that he’s off on a hot date. When they fall for his bluff, he can’t resist bragging about his skills — a hint of the mischievous sparkle that fans have missed.

As the evening unfolds, the poker game quickly escalates when Sergeant David (Tristan Gorey) arrives uninvited, claiming he’s heard rumors of “illegal gambling.” After a dramatic pause, he cracks a smile and joins in. The men agree to play for chips, but David raises the stakes, suggesting they play for real money. John hesitates — he’s never been one to part easily with his cash — but under pressure, he reluctantly agrees, joking that he’s not losing money, only “investing it.”

By the end of the night, Alf pulls off an unexpected victory with a straight flush, winning the pot as Leah returns home to find the men laughing like schoolboys. But the laughter fades when she learns John lost $300 to Alf. Though Justin reassures her that everyone had fun, Leah isn’t convinced this was the “healing” he promised.

The next morning, John breezes into the diner, bursting with enthusiasm. He tells Alf and Justin how much fun he had and reveals plans for another “men’s night” — complete with ghost tours, wine tasting, and even bowling. Alf and Justin exchange uneasy glances, realizing John might be leaning a bit too hard on their company. When Justin gently suggests keeping the gatherings monthly, John’s smile falters, revealing the sadness he’s been trying to hide.

While John’s loneliness takes center stage, Roo’s storyline brings the true emotional punch of the week. Her foster son, Cohen, is flourishing under her care, but when his biological father, Adrian, returns to the Bay, Roo’s world begins to shift. Adrian is eager to reconnect with his son and invites Cohen to meet his extended family at his mother’s upcoming birthday party.

Roo worries the invitation might be too soon, but Adrian insists it’s the right time. When Alf voices his concern that Adrian might be preparing for full custody, Roo dismisses it — but she can’t shake the unease growing in her heart.

During a walk along the beach, Roo suggests taking things slow, but Adrian confesses that he’s ready for more. He believes Cohen should live with him permanently. The revelation blindsides Roo, and though she tries to stay composed, the fear of losing the boy she’s grown to love becomes painfully real.

When Adrian brings up the idea to Cohen, the boy hesitates. After a long pause, he quietly tells his father that he’s not ready to move in. Heartbroken, Adrian lashes out, accusing Roo of turning Cohen against him. Alf steps in, setting him straight: “Your impatience, not Roo, pushed him away.”

Later, Roo learns the heartbreaking truth — Cohen didn’t refuse because he didn’t want to go. He said no because he didn’t want to hurt her. His love for Roo runs deep, and he doesn’t want to cause her more pain. In an emotional conversation, Roo assures him that he doesn’t need to protect her feelings. “You have to do what’s right for you,” she tells him through tears.

Moved by her honesty, Cohen reconsiders. When Adrian returns to collect him for the family gathering, Cohen quietly announces that he’s made up his mind — he wants to live with his father after all. Roo is stunned but proud. “I’ve already packed my things,” Cohen says softly, ready to take the next step in his young life.

The farewell that follows is one of Home and Away’s most touching moments in recent memory. Cohen thanks Roo and Alf for everything they’ve done, promising he’ll never forget them. Alf gifts him a fishing rod — a symbol of their bond and the lessons he’s learned in the Bay. Roo tells him he’s going to have an incredible adventure with his new family, but Cohen turns to her and says something that leaves everyone in tears: “You and Alf are my family too.”

As Adrian and Cohen prepare to leave, Cohen suddenly rushes back inside, throwing his arms around Roo in one final embrace. “I’ll always remember you,” he whispers. “Just like I remember Mum.” It’s a gut-wrenching goodbye — the kind that lingers long after the credits roll.

When the door finally closes, Roo collapses into tears, her heart breaking as she faces the empty space where Cohen once was. For viewers, it’s a reminder of the fragility of love and the courage it takes to let go. After the heartbreak of her previous foster experiences, fans are left wondering: will Roo ever open her heart again?

Home and Away continues to explore the delicate balance between love and loss in the most heartfelt way possible. As Summer Bay says goodbye to Cohen, one thing is certain — no matter how many residents come and go, the bonds formed here will never truly fade.