09/09/2021

Susan and Neil are mulling over Chris’s decision to leave Ambridge View, and his upcoming visit to Alice in rehab. They speculate as to where Alice might live when she returns to Ambridge, and worry about Chris getting his hopes up. They agree they can’t live his life for him.

Susan visits Shula. She’s keen there should be no misunderstanding over Neil’s visits, so she apologises again on his behalf, and offers Shula the money for Keira’s first three riding lessons retrospectively. Shula says there’s no need but Susan insists. She and Neil appreciate what a good friend she’s been to them both, and are there for her if she needs anything in the future.

Jennifer and Brian settle down to write letters to Alice. Brian’s struggling. He’d rather see Alice first to gauge her state. He’s worried dredging everything up will set her back. It gets too much for him and he refuses to do it. Jennifer doesn’t want to be treading on egg shells with Alice for the rest of their lives and she implores Brian not to leave the letter writing all up to her. Brian comes clean about the disastrous day he took Alice to rehab. He’s not sure he can express to Alice how upsetting it was. Jennifer sympathises, but suggests he should be honest, and write from the heart. Then it’s up to Alice.