In a devastating turn of events that no one in Port Charles saw coming, what should have been a festive Halloween turned into a day of unimaginable loss. Sam McCall’s sudden death has left her loved ones reeling, with her children processing their grief in heartwrenchingly different ways while a devastating secret about her relationship with Dante adds another layer to this tragedy.

A Brother’s Promise, A Sister’s Innocence

Danny Morgan, showing maturity beyond his years, has taken on the role his mother always encouraged – being a protector for his little sister Scout. While sorting through Halloween candy at the Quartermaine mansion, Danny confided in Carly about his determination to stay strong for Scout, just as Sam would have wanted. “It’s my job to look out for Scout, just like my mom said,” Danny explained, his brave facade barely masking his own pain.

Meanwhile, at the same mansion, Scout sat with her father Drew, processing her loss in the way only a child can – through art. As she drew pictures of her family, she asked the devastating question that no child should have to ask: “What happens now?” Drew’s promise to be there for her was met with an innocent yet heartbreaking response – her mother used to say that too.

Guilt and Grief in the Chapel

In perhaps one of the most gut-wrenching scenes, Rocco found himself in the hospital chapel with Laura, wrestling with overwhelming guilt. Through tears, he confessed something that’s been eating at him – he had once wished for his mother Lulu’s survival over Sam’s. Laura, showing the wisdom that makes her such a beloved mayor and grandmother, assured him that his thoughts didn’t cause this tragedy. Their special moment of lighting a candle for Sam, remembering her as the person who gave “the most precious gift possible” to Lulu, showed how complex grief can be, especially for children.

A Proposal’s Painful Timing

Just when you think this loss couldn’t be more tragic, Dante’s confession to Sonny revealed another layer of heartbreak. “Tell me how I am going to live without her,” Dante pleaded with his father, before revealing that he had proposed to Sam just yesterday. The cruel timing of having their future ripped away before it could truly begin left Dante struggling to balance his own grief while trying to be strong for the children. Through tears, he shared how Sam had been his lifeline during his PTSD struggles, making this loss even more profound.

Family Bonds Strengthen

As news of Sam’s death spread through Port Charles, we witnessed the strength of family bonds. Alexis, despite her own overwhelming grief, gathered with her daughters, though a simple text about a meal delivery for Sam sent them into fresh waves of tears. At Maxie’s house, what started as a pleasant evening of cider with Spinelli turned somber when Jason arrived with the news, leading to Spinelli’s heartfelt remembrance of how Sam was the first person to see his potential.

Halloween decorations still hung in windows and trick-or-treat bags sat half-filled as Port Charles faced this unexpected tragedy. Danny’s observation that at least Scout got to enjoy trick-or-treating before learning the truth highlighted the cruel timing of Sam’s death – turning what should have been a day of celebration into one of profound loss.

As night fell on this tragic Halloween, the residents of Port Charles proved once again that in times of crisis, they come together. Whether it was Carly assuring Danny that he’s loved, Drew listing all the family members who will help Scout through this, or Sonny holding his grieving son, the message was clear – while Sam may be gone, her children and loved ones won’t face this loss alone.