05/01/2022 - a podcast by BBC Radio 4

Tony’s not keen on Natasha’s special roast coffee – and he won’t be able to sneak into the kitchen to make his usual blend until later. He and Pat agree it’s taking some getting used to having Tom and Natasha at Bridge Farm.

Amy finds cold Alice on a bench at the playground. Alice has texted her for help. To her relief Amy sees Alice hasn’t touched the vodka she’d bought. But Alice can’t agree with Amy’s praise for her restraint, because the intent was there. And she still thinks she’ll feel normal again if she drinks it. Amy insists she’s not seeing that in Alice. And whatever her buddy Lisa said to her during the night has worked. They have to decide what to do next. At Alice’s request, Amy tips the alcohol away. Alice explains the trigger had been Chris asking for a divorce. She’s proved how predictable she is by nearly relapsing. Amy counters that stopping herself is a colossal milestone for Alice. Her coping strategies worked, no matter how tempted she was and how natural it felt. She needs to learn now how to deal with the stress triggers. Alice reckons Amy’s saved her life. Amy replies that it was all Alice. As they smash the empty bottles into the bin, Alice resolves to keep hold of the real Alice, and make it work.

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