27/12/2022

Tony explains to David how Lilian came to give him a guitar for Christmas. David’s not sure he’s proficient enough to teach Tony. Tony explains he doesn’t want lessons – he wants David to have the guitar. David doesn’t think he’d use it enough and Tony is resigned to it going in the loft. As Leonard enters a gust of wind catches the door which bashes into the guitar. For Tony, his problem is solved! But apologetic Leonard insists on attempting a repair. Ben tells his parents that he won’t be returning to his nursing course after the holidays. David’s shocked and put out when he learns that Ben and Ruth have already discussed the matter. Ben insists he’s not throwing it all away. He will return to it, once he’s strong enough. Later, Ruth struggles to understand David’s attitude to Ben. It wasn’t long ago that he was wrapping him up in cotton wool and now he’s eager for him to get on with life. David worries about the wider implications of Ben not returning to studying. Will he ever return? What about his student loan? Ruth says David’s missing the point: Ben is still fragile underneath and the last thing they should be doing is pressurising him.