Al came home and immediately said he needed to return to the Midlands to arrange care for his mother, likely staying there until a plan was in place. Martha asked who would look after Nala, since the childminder would not resume until the second of January and bringing Nala to the shop was unworkable. Al suggested Troy, Matt, or Martha’s brother; Martha rejected these options, saying there was no one else.

When Al proposed Martha simply shut the shop until the New Year, Martha challenged him. Al, tearful, said he was exhausted and stressed, that he hated his mother but could not abandon her because no one else could help. He insisted he had to go despite hating the sacrifice.

Martha agreed to close the shop and mentioned that Milly and Jonah would likely be happy to have her home. Al said Jonah had sent him a message the previous day and handed over his phone. The message from Jonah was gentle and concerned, asking after Al and requesting he update Martha because she worries.

Martha felt sadness at Jonah’s kindness and anger that Al had not replied. Al explained he had not been in the right headspace, admitted his unreliability and chaotic tendencies, and pleaded for understanding. He promised to sort his mother’s care quickly, be better about communication, and affirmed his love for their life, the boys, their daughter, and Martha.

Watching Al, Martha internally dismissed his speech as “Bullshit.” She maintained a neutral expression and told him she understood and would shut the shop so he could do what he had to do. She lightly touched his arm and left, privately resolved and clear about what she needed to do next.