04/10/2023

Alan is approached by Miles, who has a question: why is Alan refusing to baptise his brother? Rob is a dying man, and is crushed that Alan won’t do it. Alan questions whether Rob is actually dying. Miles is appalled. He explains that Rob’s prognosis is genuine, and baptism is giving him something to hope for. For his part, Miles thinks it’s a bad idea for Rob to move nearer Helen, and as for religion, their father thinks Rob’s gone mad. However Miles can’t understand why Alan won’t fulfil Rob’s wishes. Alan explains he’s concerned about Rob’s real motivation. Miles becomes desperate; he knows his brother’s made mistakes but he’s not a bad person and just wants to be forgiven. He talks about their bullying father. Alan agrees to think about it.

Jazzer and Tracy set off early with Brad for the university open day. Brad cringes at the smart clothes they’ve chosen, but it’s too late to change them now. Once there panicked Brad has trouble reading the map – it’s all so massive and he doesn’t want to be late for his session. A student comes to their rescue, and while Brad’s in his maths session, chats with Tracy and Jazzer about her work and the fun she’s having. She gives them all a tour, and when she’s gone Tracy seeks Brad’s opinion on his day. Brad’s lukewarm about it; it’s the first uni they’ve seen and he might not even get an offer. Tracy’s so proud of her son: the very first Horrobin to go to university.