Ed backs out of the family birthday party.

Radio Times: Clarrie gets her priorities right.

Characters: Clarrie, Ed, Fallon, Jolene, Lilian, Robert

• Ed is enjoying a walk by the river with Fallon; it’s an opportunity to bring her up to date with his struggle. Agreeing to the family birthday tea is freaking him out; he is scared of slipping back, scared of the crack. He can’t do it; he just has to find a way to tell mum.
• Robert’s ‘new’ car, bought from a small ad without warranty, has died. Lilian picks him up and prescribes a pick-me-up at The Bull.
• Clarrie has answered an emergency call to man the Bull’s kitchen, which gives her chance to talk to Fallon about Ed. She just can’t understand why – especially why the crack.
• Lilian is trying Jolene’s patience again: she has given away the upstairs room in The Bull for a Harvest Supper but has only now thought to mention it.
• Back home, Clarrie finds that Ed is on his own: he had stayed at home to see her. He’s very sorry but he just can’t do the family party. Clarrie is very understanding. She has found it difficult to appreciate what he has gone through and how difficult is the road to recovery. They will celebrate Joe’s birthday with just the four of them – in The Bull. Isn’t she the best mum!