Understanding Temporary Impossibility in Contracts: What Happens Next?

When you’re deep into contract law, you come across some curveballs—one of those being “temporary impossibility.” It sounds complicated, but bear with me for a moment. What happens when someone can’t meet their end of the bargain due to unexpected issues? Think natural disasters, fire hazards, or even wild pandemics! As chaotic as it sounds, there’s a certain structure to it all, and understanding this can be a lifesaver for anyone gearing up for the Contracts and Sales Multistate Bar Exam.

So, let’s paint the picture: suppose Alice and Bob have a contract where Alice promises to deliver goods to Bob. But suddenly, a freak storm wipes out Alice's delivery capabilities. We call that temporary impossibility. Now, you might wonder, once the storm passes, what’s next? Do Alice and Bob simply walk away from the contract with no obligations? Here’s the kicker: they typically must go back to performing as originally agreed unless something significant has changed since the storm.

Why is that? Well, contract law is grounded in the idea that commitments made aren't just tossed aside at the first sign of trouble. When that hindrance disappears, Alice should ideally get her goods to Bob unless the entire landscape of their agreement has been altered in a way that drastically changes their original commitments.

Let’s break down the answer options you might see on an exam. A—a total release from obligations—definitely isn’t the right move. Once the temporary impossibility ends, both parties get reactivated in their roles. On the flip side, if they experience some major shift—like if the market crashed changing the value or terms—that's when they might consider renegotiating. But simply voiding the contract or excluding Bob from obligations? No way!

You might be thinking, “Hey, what if they can’t deliver those goods in quality or quantity?” In such a case, they do discuss changes, and it’s crucial. Still, the core principle remains: contracts are valid even when challenges arise.

Practically speaking, how does this all translate in real-life scenarios? Imagine a crazy logistics delay because of a global supply issue—sounds familiar, right? Once resolved, the original agreements generally revive, calling everyone back to the table. So, keeping the available options to renegotiate (option D) or declaring void the contract (option C) isn’t much help when the adherence to original terms holds strong unless changes have happened.

This insight not only matters for exams but for any aspiring attorney. Next time you grapple with questions on temporary impossibility, remember—the law is designed to uphold obligations through thick and thin, ensuring fairness and accountability remain at its core. So, whether you're studying or just dipping your toes into the world of contract law, grasping how temporary impossibility plays out can be your ace in the hole during the bar exam!