27/05/2021

Neil observes ruefully to Shula how damaging the ripples outwards are of Alice’s problems. Susan’s taking it very hard. Over a cup of tea Neil confides that Susan found the social worker visit quite intrusive, and she’s still shaken from the incident at the shop. He doesn’t really blame Alice, she’s always been a good daughter-in-law. But for Susan it’s not so easy; caring for Martha and seeing Chris in such a state is wearing her down. Neil doesn’t know if Chris will ever get back with Alice, and he’s afraid of the potential bad blood it’s all going to cause. Shula counsels him to take care of himself. Neil feels a lot better for talking to her.
Adam’s been slightly blindsided that Brian’s suggested Ruairi moves in with him and Ian for a while. Ian assures him it will be fine. Adam hopes he’s right.
Lee’s in a panic. Helen, Henry and Jack are due back soon to see their newly decorated bedrooms, and he’s not ready. It’s Adam and Ian to the rescue, and the three of them soon have everything ship-shape and brightened up. Helen’s delighted – she can’t decide which of the two boys’ bedrooms she prefers. She’s glad Lee was allowed to keep the giant spider stencil he’d done on Jack’s ceiling; Jack loves it. And they agree that the siting, or concealing, of each of their more eclectic knick-knacks works for both of them. Helen assures Lee that she and the boys are very happy to have him with them. They’re all going to be alright.