Summer Bay is once again plunged into chaos, but this time, it’s not a murder, but a mental breakdown caused by a camping trip! This week, John Palmer faces sheer terror after Mali and Tane attempt to cheer him up. But did the outing leave John in genuine danger?

Loneliness Leads to Panic

Following the departure of his best friend Irene, John has been consumed by emptiness. Despite his attempts to appear strong and generous (hosting friends for dinner at Salt, organizing a poker night), John’s despair was evident. Justin noticed it when he saw John silently wiping away a tear after everyone had left.

Worried for his friend, Mali took it upon himself to organize a spontaneous camping trip, hoping a change of scenery would lift John’s spirits. Tane reluctantly joined in, largely to avoid the recent awkwardness with Harper (who has started dating again).

The Terrifying Legend of the “Hairy Man”

The trip began with lighthearted moments: John trying to act like a camping expert, much to Tane’s annoyance, and the group laughing as John struggled to pitch his tent.

However, the mood quickly turned sinister as they gathered around the campfire. Mali began to recount an Indigenous legend about the “Hairy Man”—a creature he claimed to have encountered as a child. Mali warned them they would be safe as long as they kept the fire burning.

The legend sowed deep unease in John’s mind. He became visibly anxious, constantly gathering more wood for the fire.

The Sinister “Healing” Plot

That night, the real nightmare began: John, alone in his tent, heard strange noises, heavy breathing, and scratching outside. The darkness and shadows darting across the canvas left John wide awake and terrified.

The next morning, John was still on high alert, while Mali and Tane emerged from their tents having had a blissful night’s sleep. John insisted he heard noises and believed it was the “Hairy Man.” Tane and Mali dismissed his claims, but the grin they shared was deeply suspicious!

Finally, John declared he had to return due to urgent Surf Club admin. Mali and Tane were initially disappointed, but once John was out of earshot, Tane revealed the truth: he had deliberately made those strange sounds all night!

This was a bizarre “healing scheme.” Tane explained: if John was worried about the “Hairy Man,” he wouldn’t be thinking about Irene! Is terror the best medicine for loneliness? Will John ever discover the truth about this insane prank?