This week in Summer Bay, an emotional storm is set to rage, leaving an irreparable ache in the heart of Roo Stewart. The familiar actress is facing one of the most tragic goodbyes of her life as her time as Cohen’s foster mother officially comes to an end.

The drama escalates when Adrienne, Cohen’s biological father, decides he doesn’t just want to reconcile but wants to take the ultimate step: gain full permanent custody of his son.

Roo initially worried that Adrienne rushing Cohen to meet the extended family was happening too fast. But she failed to anticipate that beneath the excited exterior, Alf had noticed a cruel truth: Adrienne was preparing to take Cohen away forever.

The Devastating Decision and the Shattering Confession

The moment Roo feared the most arrived. When Adrienne came to collect Cohen, he dropped the bombshell: he wanted his son to live with him permanently. Cohen, stunned, initially hesitated and said no. Hurt, Adrienne lashed out at Roo, accusing her of turning his son against him. Alf once again had to intervene, delivering the bitter truth: Adrienne’s own haste was what pushed Cohen away.

But then, Roo discovered the more devastating truth, a reason that completely shattered her heart: Cohen only said no because he didn’t want to hurt Roo. He didn’t want to see her sad.

In a powerful, tear-filled moment, Roo had to manually push her own pain aside, assuring Cohen that his happiness came first. It was then Roo knew she had to let the boy go.

The Final Hug Under the Summer Bay Sun

Inevitably, Adrienne returned to Summer Bay House, and Cohen quietly revealed: he had already packed his belongings and was ready to leave.

As Cohen thanked them for giving him the home and love he desperately needed, Roo and Alf fought back their tears. Alf handed him a fishing rod, a symbol of their peaceful days in the Bay. Roo forced a smile, promising him the adventure of a lifetime awaited. But Cohen looked back at her, his lips trembling as he whispered: “You and Alf will always be my family.”

And then, the gut-wrenching moment: Cohen turned, ran back inside, and threw his arms around Roo in a desperate, tearful hug. Alf watched, his face crumpling in agony, as the little boy Roo dreamed of adopting walked out of her life forever.

The door closed. Roo collapsed. Her sobs filled the empty house. After losing Eliza and now Cohen, Roo Stewart is left with one haunting question: Can she ever find the strength to open her heart again?