Next week on Home and Away, Summer Bay braces for a wave of emotional turmoil as MacKenzie “Mac” McKenzie faces heartbreak that threatens to overwhelm her. In the aftermath of the tragic death of Theo, Mac and her family are still reeling from their own personal losses. At the farmhouse, Mac and Levi struggle quietly with grief following the miscarriage of Max’s baby—a devastating blow after months of trying and two rounds of IVF. This marked Max’s second loss; in 2021, she endured an ectopic pregnancy with her ex-boyfriend Ari, who ended their relationship before she even had a chance to share the news. That early trauma had left her to cope alone, and now, history seems to repeat itself.

Struggling to manage the pain, Mac has been putting on a brave front, throwing herself into hosting duties to distract everyone. She organizes a cozy dinner for Levi, Marley, and Abigail, attempting to mask her grief beneath smiles and routine. Levi, meanwhile, wrestles with his own conflicting responsibilities. He is due to give his sister Eden away at her wedding, yet he wants to stay by Mac’s side. Ultimately, Mac insists he attend the ceremony while Marley remains with her, allowing Levi to honor family obligations while still feeling torn. Afterward, Levi confides in his father, Jimmy, who urges him to return to Mac and support her through their shared sorrow.

As the week unfolds, tensions simmer between the siblings. Mac’s avoidance of real conversation about the miscarriage leaves Levi increasingly uneasy. When Marley suggests giving Mac some space, she brushes it off, continuing her role as hostess. Her decision to return to work immediately after the loss shocks Levi, who has been trying to process the grief at his own pace. Alone, Mac allows her façade to crack, confronting the deep sorrow she has been suppressing.

The arrival of news about Theo’s death adds another layer of distress. Alf delivers the tragic update to Marley and Abigail, who immediately consider alerting Levi to prevent him from hearing it from someone else. In the ensuing panic, Levi suggests postponing the conversation with Mac, hoping to shield her from more immediate pain. But Mac overhears the conversation, realizing someone has attempted to keep the truth from her. Levi confesses, acknowledging his overprotectiveness and the avoidance that has prevented them both from confronting their grief. Though he wants her to acknowledge and process their shared loss, Mac cannot face it and leaves for work, shutting down emotionally before they can engage fully.

Later, Abby checks on Levi during an early lunch break and finds him leaving for work prematurely, forcing himself back into routine despite his emotional unpreparedness. A chance encounter with Dana at Salt Café prompts reflection on the fragility of human connection. Marley reiterates the importance of holding loved ones close, particularly during times of grief, urging Mac to stop shutting Levi out. As Mac prepares to reach out, a message from her brother Dean interrupts her moment—a proud announcement of the birth of his and Ziggy’s daughter, Danielle, accompanied by a photo.

For Mac, the timing could not be more heartbreaking. The joy of welcoming a new family member is immediately overshadowed by her own recent loss, intensifying her grief. Marley and Abigail, having received the same news, quickly recognize the emotional impact on Mac. In an attempt to cope, Mac briefly considers confiding in Marley, but her moment of openness is fleeting. Instead, she decides to take action, planning a trip to Queensland to spend time with Dean, Ziggy, and her new niece Izzy. Marley expresses concern, but Mac is resolute, determined to leave within hours.

The following morning, while Levi finishes his night shift at the hospital, Mac discovers a last-minute cheap flight and decides to go. Alarmed, Marley calls Levi, who arrives to find Mac halfway through packing. Despite his pleas, she refuses to change her mind or delay the trip, insisting she will go to Queensland regardless of his ability to cope alone. She also declines to inform Dean of the IVF loss, not wanting to overshadow her visit. Ultimately, Mac leaves without looking back, forcing Levi to confront the emotional aftermath of their loss alone.

This heartbreaking storyline highlights the complex interplay of joy and grief, illustrating how new beginnings can collide with personal tragedy. Mac’s attempt to balance family obligations, personal healing, and the excitement of a niece’s birth results in a poignant mixture of sorrow and love, leaving viewers anticipating how the characters will navigate the emotional aftermath in the coming episodes.