Due to the aftermath of the release of the time capsule, chaos breaks out. Someone is holding students of Tree Hill hostage with a gun, shooting. While lives hang in the balance, Nathan and Lucas put themselves at risk to protect their friends and loved ones. Young lives are shattered and two lives will end.

The residents of Tree Hill must deal with the aftermath of the shocking accident that left everyone without words. In the midst of all the chaos, Dan extends his help to Karen now that she is pregnant, Lucas and Peyton's friendship continues to grow stronger, and once rivals Brooke and Rachel move past their differences and manage to become good friends. Brooke has a difficult decision to make about her relationship with Lucas and Skills decides to try out for the Ravens.

It's her eighteenth birthday, but Brooke soon realizes that she has no one but Rachel to celebrate it with. Meanwhile, Nathan continues to struggle with memories of the accident and Dan continues to be haunted by remorse over his actions against Keith.