In therapy with Deb, who by now wants a divorce, Dan tells he cut Lucas out of his life like a trapped man amputates his arm to survive. Haley gets basketball lessons (to pass PE) from patient Nathan, who to everyone's relief is back with the Ravens. Coach tells Keith he promised his wife 35 years ago they would 'start living' after 20 years of coaching; he just won 500 matches, but what about his most important intention: to make a difference? Strolling on the beach Dan meets Carrie, who fails to seduce him when invited to eat his spare steak as Nathan declined, but just then Deb walks in. Now Brooke believes Lucas is her first true love, he and Peyton don't come clean about the motel; but Haley overhears them and has a row with him. Nathan convinces coach he does matter for boys like him who still need guidance. While driving with Lucas, Keith is hit by another car. Dan is nearby and rushes Lucas to the hospital.

When the doctor tells Keith it's too soon to tell how bad Lucas's injuries are, he informs Haley, who throws Nathan out immediately and calls Peyton, who is with Brooke at the time. A surprised Karen learns Dan saved Lucas by bringing him in and giving permission for surgery as his father, while Keith caused the accident under nearly illegal influence of alcohol. Karen and Deb comfort each-other at Lucas's sickbed, where Peyton briefly and Brooke more elaborately meet Karen. After Haley gives him the silent treatment, Nathan sadly admits to Deb he barely minds she's separating from Dan. Karen hears her insurance probably won't cover all the hospital bills, and finds out later that Keith paid the bill. Coach assures Karen not to doubt Keith's love for Lucas. Jake and the park court basketball gang make a get-better-video for Lucas; even Tim joins in making a chalk drawing on the court. Dan cancels marriage mediation, and isn't impressed by Deb's lawyer either, but gets a hug from Karen. Peyton tells Haley Lucas reads her soul. Nathan says at Lucas's sickbed he envies him sometimes and suggests he make up with his loved ones. Lucas wakes up with Nathan on his bedside. Nathan goes to get Haley, telling her he doesn't regret having courted her for the wrong reasons as she changed him for the better, then gives her a ride to hospital.

Now Lucas is out of the coma and released home, where his ma tries to make him take it easy on doctors orders, Jake brings him a games console as a get-better-and-return gift from the Ravens and uses the opportunity to get a job in Karen's café. Nathan tells his ma he understands his parents' divorce is the only option by now, and turns all his attention to Haley, who makes him realize he's not a baby who must go where he's told but can legally choose; both parents seem confident and determined to win him over, but Dan convinces him Deb doesn't stand a chance because of her secret past. Lucas has decided to break up with Brooke -but didn't tell her- sneaks out to Peyton and collapses there; he is rushed to the emergency room, Brooke finds out and faces Peyton bitterly. Although Karen is determined to repay Keith Lucas' medical bills, since Keith 'can't repay' having endangered his life, he cashes in all his savings and plans a mortgage on his garage.

Lucas and Nathan bear the brunt of Dan's abuse as he coaches them into the playoffs, pushing both of them to their breaking points. Haley is stunned after Dan threatens her, causing her to reconsider her relationship with Nathan. Meanwhile, Whitey learns that his medical condition may be more serious than he first expected, and Dan learns a shocking secret from Deb.

The aftermath of the post-wedding car accident unfolds. Haley is deeply affected by Nathan's attempt to rescue Cooper and Rachel, Brooke confronts Lucas with her true feelings and Peyton makes a startling discovery. Pressured by the fact that someone might know he killed his brother, Dan assaults Deb.