14/01/2025

GP Azra confirms Neil’s blood pressure’s back to normal. Neil’s relieved. Susan’s taken it particularly seriously as they don’t know his family medical history. Azra asks if Neil’s curious about his birth family. Neil asserts it was a long time ago and his foster family couldn’t have been better; they’ve perhaps made him who he is today. He admits he does sometimes wonder about his mum – but at least he can stop worrying about his blood pressure.

Susan arranges for Joy to cover her at the post office so she can take Neil out for lunch. He’s a bit out of sorts and needs cheering up. She tells Joy about Neil’s family history and Joy feels sorry for his birth mum. Thinking about her own family, Susan assert she follows the ‘keep calm and carry on’ motto. Joy agrees heartily. Later Neil says he’s going to stop worrying and be grateful for what he’s got.

Rochelle has tracked down busy Rex to Lower Loxley, where he’s installing a heat lamp for some piglets. She offers to help him with the lamp. He hesitates, but she makes him laugh and he gives in. They chat about her wellbeing event, and the rewilding. Rochelle remarks that Rex’s face glows when he talks about it. She invites him for a picnic on Thursday so he can show her the longhorns. Rex reluctantly agrees. Later Rex calls Joy, explaining he’s had to accept lunch with Rochelle. Joy quietly despairs.