19/01/2023

Rex is keen to get the wine stain erased from Jakob’s kitchen floor, but Erik is relaxed about it. He’ll tidy up before he leaves; Rex should chill out. Rex is needled, and when Erik apologises for upsetting him he admits it’s because Erik reminds him of his own brother Toby. In turn Erik shares that Rex sometimes puts him in mind of Jakob. They chat about the frustrations they feel about their respective brothers, which helps them get a clearer perspective. Even though they handle things very differently, Rex misses his brother. Erik admits to feeling disappointed at not seeing Jakob on this visit. Rex declares it’s a reason for Erik to make a return trip. Erik says he never sticks around anywhere for long. He and Kirsty are keeping it casual. Rex hopes Kirsty knows that. Pat expresses her sympathy at Lee’s situation with his daughters. Lee affirms he’s going to fight their departure with everything he’s got. To Helen’s concern, he declares he’s already sought legal advice. Privately to her mum Helen reveals she thinks moving abroad could represent a fantastic opportunity for the girls. She wants to be supportive, but recognises Lee’s not seeing the bigger picture. She gently raises this with Lee. He admits tearfully that he has thought about the benefits for the girls. He doesn’t mean to be selfish but he can’t bear to let them go. He wouldn’t cope. Reluctant Helen promises to stand by him.