¶ Intro / Opening
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¶ Family Life and Garden Plans
Of course it's freezing, Henry. It's January. Where's your coat? It's in my bag. It's no good in there, is it? The 15-year-olds not wear coats anymore. So how was your first day back at school? All right. Or speak. Oh, ha-ha, Grandad. Do you want me to help put away the tools or not? And I've done my homework Mum before you ask. When? On the bus. How can you write neatly on a bus? It's online Mum. It's a thing now.
Not like when you were in school in the 1800s. Ugh, oi. You walked into that one, I'm afraid, love. Right, instead of making sarcastic comments, why don't you go and give the shop a sweet? What are you doing? Ah, we are revolutionising the edible forest garden. Expanding it for the new year. Oh, great. Put your coat on. Yeah, I might actually. So, we've totally neglected the garden since the sewage leak and...
Paul Nova and Seren's area was obviously ruined. And the seeds we planted afterwards never took. And there's our own front garden, of course. So, we're going to plant Granny a quince tree for her birthday. It will be the jewel in the crown of Bridge Farm's new garden extravaganza.
¶ Concerns for George and Teenager Behavior
Sounds good. Only problem is, of course... No, staff. Look, obviously not while George is in hospital. No, no, we've been through all this more than once, darling. We're not hiring George. But Mum... No, no, I'm sorry, Henry. There's too much bad feeling. But look what happened to him. Yes, but...
Some may argue that he brought that on himself. That's not fair. That's not what I think. No one deserves to be assaulted. No, of course not. I was just saying. And while I don't want him working here, I really do hope that everything's OK. Clearly, all the Grundys need some support. And the Carters. Right, Henry, I'll grab that brush for you. I might have time now. What do you mean? I'm going to Keira's. Since when? Since you reminded me that the family needs support.
Ed, you don't have any moisturiser, do you? Um... I'm sure I put some in here with his deodorant. Oh, it's for George. His skin is so dry. There's literally no air in that ward. I'm just praying that these earplugs will help him sleep. He'd be so much better off at home. Well, fingers crossed for tomorrow. At least his scan went well. Kira, come on! We'll miss visiting!
I swear she's still got her headphones on. How's she been? Oh, I don't know. I mean, she just keeps saying that she wants to be left alone. I don't understand teenage girls at the best of times. Well, she said she won't run away again, and I made her promise to talk to me if something's bothering her. She did seem to listen. Well, thanks for trying with her, Amber. I just... I don't know who to worry about more right now.
I mean, Will would probably get my vote. Don't. I can't believe he spent all day there. Again? He dropped Poppy to school, sat up at the hospital for six hours, picked her up and now they're both there. She wanted to see George, though. Yeah, I know, but he's going to make himself ill. He'll end up in there himself if he ain't careful. Your mom and dad did seem worried. Oh, hi. Just wondering if Care is in.
Oh, sorry, Henry. We're just on our way out, mate. Oh, sorry, I didn't realise. You couldn't do us a favour, could you? See if you can get Keira to hurry up. Yeah, I'll try. She's, yeah, just in her room. Oh, should we get something for Will on the way? I bet he's only surviving on vending machine crisps. Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll go grab him something. Are you all right? Me? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Worrying about everyone else.
It's just a lot, you know. There you go, Helen. Thanks, Dad. My teeth are chattering. That wind gets right in your bones. Worse with age, I'm afraid. Yeah, thanks for that. I already have my firstborn reminding me how ancient I am. I don't need you as well. Oh, that's nice. You can save a tea if you want.
Beef stew. Oh, you're not doing... Oh, yes. Dumplings. Those huge, stodgy ones. Very warming on a cold January evening. I'd feel guilty staying. Poor Jack's just having beans on toast with Tom and everyone. Well, but he doesn't know. Well, you're right. Anyway, he just picked the veg out. Right, arm well and truly twisted. What about Henry? Will he eat with Keira? Oh, I don't know, actually. I'll give him a call. Ask him how many dumplings. Yeah, I will.
Hospital boy? What's wrong? Is he all right? Welcome to see George. Oh, I see. You never mentioned that you... Yeah, I'd better go. Just, um, have you eaten? Yeah, yeah, I'm good. Don't worry. Ed says he'll drop me home later. Oh, all right then, if he's sure. Yeah, see you. Has he gone to see George? Apparently so. Without telling you? How do you feel about that? Not happy, Dad. Not happy at all.
¶ Will's Guilt and George's Recovery
Will, you look terrible, mate. Nah, I'm alright. It's just these seats aren't very comfy. Is Poppy alright? She's showing George videos of the dog. Henry Akira are with her. I told them to keep the noise down, as it's only supposed to be two visitors. Oh, by the way, we brought you a hot pot thing. Oh, you didn't have to. Well, this can't go on. Well, hopefully it won't need to. George should be coming home tomorrow.
And you're going to go back to work then? Um, maybe not straight away. Why not? Well, in case he needs anything. Amber will be there. Yeah, but not... She has to go to work. I'll stay with him till he's doing better. Just in case, you know, anything happens. Will. I know what you're thinking. It's not your fault you weren't there when Nick died. I got you a flat white, Will. Oh, sorry. Do you want me to leave you to it? Nah.
You're all right, Amber, love. You probably think I'm a right nutter. No, of course not. Sitting up here all hours, day and night. But when Nick... When she died... You see, I wasn't there for her. Oh, Will, I'm so sorry. I had no idea. Nick wasn't on her own. Grandad was with her. I've never forgiven myself. I couldn't bear it if I lost George, too.
I mean, what if he has complications, head injuries? They can cause all sorts of damage, clots and... You can't worry about that. You'll go mad. She's right. And the consultant said he's doing really well. His scans look good. He's feeling much better. Apart from... Bit of a headache sometimes. That's how it started with Nick. Just a cold, bit of flu. Oh, mate. Here, try and drink some of this. Listen, after visiting, why didn't I come back to yours, eh? Bring a few cans.
¶ Henry Defends George
Just me and you. What do you say? Sounds like you've got a problem with George. Can you swallow your stew before you talk, please? It's just, it has to be said, Henry, that... Trouble does have a habit of following that lad around. Exactly. That's why he needs mates. Are you mates with George? I don't know. Yeah.
He put you in a dangerous situation. That wasn't his fault, though. Henry, he took you to see Rob behind my back. He orchestrated the whole thing. No, he didn't. He was trying to help me. Rob was the one who was controlling everyone.
When George realised what it was like, then he tried to stop it. Yes, but everything since with Alice. And he's clearly got in with the wrong crowd. I mean, look what's just happened. He's been in prison. So have you. Henry. No, he's right, Dad. I have been and I should be more understanding.
I know better than anyone what it's like. How challenging that is. Sorry, Mum. All we're saying, darling, is just be careful. He's not my best mate or anything. I wouldn't hang out with him or whatever. But...
I just feel sorry for him. You said you hoped George had some support. They're all going through a hard time. Yes, well, there's no denying that. Please don't cause drama or anything with the Grundys. I asked if I could go with them. I said you'd be fine with it. They didn't do anything wrong.
I won't cause drama. I won't mention it. Any more, Henry? Any more dumplings? No, you scoffed them all. I thought Ed got you and Keira a burger on the way to the hospital. I'm a crying boy, Mother. Quite right, too. Right, come on then, let's get home. Grab your coat, Henry. All right. Thanks to the Grandad. You're welcome. You really OK with this George business? Not 100%, no, but...
Henry is 15 now. He certainly is. I can't control who he does and doesn't speak to. Actually, you know, he is a sensible, intelligent young man. I trust him to make the right decisions. Or at least tell one of us if he thinks he hasn't. You're a good parent. Oh, I don't know. Who are? Well, I had good role models. All three of us did. Right, Poppy's fast asleep in George's bed.
Ah, is she? Do you want me to pop her back on her own? Nah, she's alright. It's nice for her. And for George. Amber will move her when she gets back. Do you want another beer? Aye, go on then. Why not? Oh, he just messaged, by the way, George. Did he? Here, catch it. Hey, hang on. I wasn't ready. You all right? He said he's really bored.
The bloke in the next bed stinks and he can't wait to come home tomorrow. Try not to worry about him, eh? Well, easier said than done when he's my boy. Yeah. Well, I know you feel the same. You're not to blame for any of this, Will. Aren't I? No. Marky and those scumbags, they did this. Yeah, maybe. Yeah, and they'll be punished for it. George will be alright. Well, you can't know that. No, I do. Now.
I just do. What happened to Nick wasn't your fault either, you know. Yeah, I do try and tell myself that. You can't blame yourself forever. I loved her, though. I still do. Yeah, of course you do.
¶ Finding Happiness After Loss
She was the best thing that ever happened to me. Too good, really. Yeah, she was. Everyone says it gets easier, but it's just... Slightly less unbearable. Nick would want you to be happy, you know? No. I know she would, but... Thing is... I don't want to be happy. We had 11 brilliant years together. We had Poppy and Jake and Mia, of course. That's more than some folk. Reckon that's my lot in life. No point trying for more.
But you're wasted, Will. Driving a van for Bridge Farm and odds and ends of jobs. I mean, is that enough? Are you happy with that? I don't know. Probably not. Why don't you try something different? Play the stock market, become a finance bro. Yeah, or not. What about meeting someone else, eh? Getting yourself back out there. Nah. I mean...
You're not as good looking as me, obviously. Yeah, whatever. But you can't deny the genes are still good. The thought of trying to talk to someone, you know, chat her up? I don't think I could. It's all online these days. Loads of people do it. I'm not sure it's very me, Ed. Well, up to you, obviously. Well, this is nice, isn't it? Yeah, it was only from the village shop. No, I mean...
This? Me and you. Yeah. Yeah, it is nice. You deserve to be happy, Will. You know, we all do. Yeah. Well, the only thing that'll make me happy... Is tomorrow. When our boy comes home. At Charmin, we heard you shouldn't talk about going to the bathroom in public, so we decided to sing about it.
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