25/10/2023

Mia’s placed herself outside the village shop to gather signatures for a petition against Bonfire Night on the Green. Alice says she’ll join her through the day when she can, though she’s conscious of not causing too much disruption. Mia has a whole strategy in place to persuade people to support the cause. Alice is impressed with Mia’s powers of persuasion until Will, annoyed that Mia is skipping college, refuses to sign the petition. Mia throws a handful of snaps that give him a fright. Alice isn’t sure that’s safe, but Mia wants to shock those who don’t immediately support the cause. Later, Will returns to Mia’s petition stall to find her packing up. He can tell something’s up. She explains that Hilary Noakes had a funny turn after Mia threw some snaps. She helped her calm down but Hilary threatened to involve the police. Mia berates herself for not listening to Alice, she feels like she’s ruined everything. Ian can’t contain his shock when Helen tells him she has ended her and Lee’s relationship. Helen also apologises for Sunday. She explains she’s not in love with Lee anymore even though she cares about him deeply. Later, Helen and Ian have lunch after Helen has broken the news to her parents. She felt terrible but at the same time relieved. Like Helen’s parents, Ian assumed Rob’s return is a factor but Helen insists her decision is not because of Rob. An even more daunting prospect than telling her parents is telling her sons. Helen and Lee have agreed to speak to Henry and Jack together.