07/07/2021 - a podcast by BBC Radio 4

Brian drives Alice to her rehab facility and they chat in the car. Jennifer was emotional saying goodbye but Alice knows that Brian is different. Brian is proud of Alice for committing to rehab – he always has been and nothing has changed. Alice remembers how proud he was watching her in a school play – he’ll dig out the video when she’s away.
Alice worries about Martha forgetting her after a month away. At a service station, Brian phones ahead as Alice has delayed them with constant stop-offs. Brian’s advised to check on Alice, who has been gone a while. Brian’s horrified to discover Alice has disappeared. He finds her in a pub beer garden. Alice has reasoned that she’s not actually an alcoholic and doesn’t need Brian to spend all that money on rehab. Brian plays along and relaxes to enjoy a drink with Alice. However, Alice realises he’s only drinking tonic and twigs that he still intends to get her to the rehab facility. Alice causes a scene as he leads her away. He explains to onlookers that Alice is an alcoholic, and how embarrassed he is.
When they finally arrive Alice pleads with Brian not to leave her. She could just go to meetings instead; she’d have to be here for so long. As Brian leaves Alice with the staff, she becomes angry and bitter, telling Brian how much she hates him. Shaken Brian entreats the staff to look after her.

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