(News from Summer Bay) – Under the bright lights of Salt restaurant, John Palmer – a man notoriously stingy in Summer Bay – threw a lavish and surprising dinner party. He laughed constantly, enthusiastically sharing news about his “fresh start” and a shocking gift: a ticket to Paris to reunite with Irene Roberts. His generous gesture, especially insisting on paying the entire bill, left all his friends stunned.

But behind that façade of optimism lies a bitter truth.

Irene’s departure, leaving her best friend behind to begin a world trip after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, has left a huge void. While John desperately tried to convince everyone (and himself) that Irene’s trip was an inspiration, Justin and Leah could not shake off their feeling of unease. They believed John’s radiant smile was nothing more than a thin mask.

The climax of this silent tragedy unfolded after everyone had left.

As the restaurant buzz quieted down, John quietly stepped out onto the balcony, turning his back to the light. In that moment, the mask finally slipped. Standing alone before the vast ocean, a solitary tear rolled down John’s face, revealing the raw pain and terrible loneliness of missing his best friend.

This is not just a story about a man missing his friend. It is a heartbreaking reminder that sometimes, the people who appear the strongest and happiest are the ones carrying the greatest hidden sorrow. John Palmer, a Summer Bay icon, is quietly collapsing. How long will it be before he admits his struggles?