Roy is unsuccessful in his attempt to get Phoebe back home and Tom is home for good.

Radio Times: Roy has a painful conversation, and a weight is lifted from Helen’s shoulders.

Characters: Helen, Jennifer, Jim, Peggy, Roy, Tom

• In the village shop, Roy is buying Phoebe a few gifts but he tells Jim that Phoebe probably won’t spend Christmas with him; because his family will not speak to him, Roy has volunteered to work that day. Jim fills in Jennifer on the traffic survey and asks for volunteers for the night counts.
• Tom sees Tony in the hospital and he is shocked at Tony’s appearance. Tony is sedated but he can hear so Tom tells him a bit about his Canadian adventures. Helen leaves them alone.
• Jennifer gives Peggy a memory book but she prefers to wait until Tony is better and can look at it with her.
• Tom confesses to a sleeping Tony that his trip to Canada was really just running away from his decisions. Tom faced up to what he had done to other people; there was no one else to blame. Tom apologizes for how he behaved and for forcing his father to take up all the farm duties. Tom swears that he will be a good son and a good farmer, just like his father.
• Jennifer tells Roy the family are keeping from Peggy just how poorly Tony is. Roy begs Jennifer to convince Phoebe to return home to him. Jennifer brings up Kate’s opinion and Roy objects; Jennifer points out that Hayley is not supportive, either. Roy gives in and asks Jennifer to give the small gifts to Phoebe.
• Tom relays the details of his visit to Peggy. He is convinced that Tony understood and he squeezed Tom’s hand. Tom tells his grandmother that he is not returning to Canada but is back for good. Helen calls Tom out of the room to tell him that the doctors have decided to give Tony a tracheotomy to improve his breathing. Helen is quite distressed about Tony undergoing another invasive procedure.