In the latest episode of Home and Away, the emotional landscape shifts dramatically as Roo faces a pivotal moment in her life while supporting her foster child, Cohen, who is hospitalized due to a serious illness. After weeks of carrying a heavy secret, Roo finally reveals to Cohen that his mother, Samantha, has relinquished all parental rights following her arrest and wants no further contact. This revelation devastates Cohen, who initially struggles to accept that his mother could abandon him. Roo comforts him, assuring him that he is loved, despite the circumstances.

As Cohen grapples with this painful truth, he becomes increasingly withdrawn and loses his appetite. His frustrations boil over during a visit from David, whom he blames for his mother’s situation. However, his lack of desire to eat is soon linked to a more alarming health issue. After a restless night filled with nightmares about his mother, Cohen wakes up with a fever, prompting Roo to take him to the hospital when over-the-counter medication fails to alleviate his symptoms.

At the hospital, Dr. Bree arrives to examine Cohen, who is suffering from a severe case of tonsillitis. While they await further test results, nurse Dana tries to distract Cohen by sharing her own childhood hospital experiences. She also reveals her connection to Cohen’s social worker, Harper. When Bree returns, she delivers concerning news to Roo: Cohen’s blood tests show dangerously high white blood cell counts, indicating that if left untreated, he could face serious complications, including sepsis. This news deepens Roo’s guilt for not recognizing the severity of Cohen’s condition earlier.

As Roo processes the overwhelming emotions of the past few days, she is surprised by the arrival of Alf, who has just returned from a trip. Their reunion is emotional, and Alf learns for the first time that Roo has resumed fostering after a difficult experience with a previous child. Despite his initial reservations about her fostering again, Alf recognizes the importance of supporting Roo during this challenging time.

Once Cohen wakes up, he is initially confused to see Alf at his bedside but soon finds comfort in their conversation about fishing, a shared interest that helps to forge a bond between them. Roo updates Marilyn about Cohen’s condition, noting that he hasn’t mentioned his mother since being hospitalized. Marilyn reassures Roo that her presence is enough for Cohen, prompting Roo to reflect on her role in his life.

When Roo returns to the hospital, she expresses gratitude to Alf for looking after Cohen. Alf, impressed by Roo’s dedication, praises her efforts and acknowledges the special connection she has with Cohen. This encouragement inspires Roo to consider a life-changing decision: she contemplates reaching out to the department to inquire about adopting Cohen. This potential move represents a significant step for Roo, who previously placed her own daughter, Martha, for adoption at a young age.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are left wondering how both Cohen and Alf will react to Roo’s proposal. Will this decision bring the family closer together, or will it complicate their already intricate dynamics? With emotions running high and the future uncertain, Home and Away continues to explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of family ties. Stay tuned for more developments in this heartfelt storyline.