Years after their last contact, Sílbhe visits Cian Brennan’s studio, aware of the time and loss that have aged her since Cora’s death. She explains that fourteen-year-old Julian is different from other boys, skilled with his hands and eager to learn silversmithing, but barred from adult classes for insurance reasons. Cian readily agrees to teach Julian privately and deflects thanks, then asks after Maia; Sílbhe describes Maia as a homebody who helps with children at a ballet class and works at a sandwich shop, and reflects that purpose gives her contentment.

Julian arrives for his first sessions and feels instantly ignited by the workshop. After initial structured tasks, Cian senses Julian’s frustration and switches to a self-designed project. Julian obsessively sketches and conceives a pendant of two free-hanging sweet chestnut leaves, one silver and one gold, minimal and matte-textured. The process of heating, soldering, filing, and finishing fills Julian with exhilaration; he recognizes silversmithing as love.

As lessons overrun, Julian calls for permission to stay late and invites Cian to supper. This casual habit grows into a routine: Cian often joins the family on Tuesdays, some weekends, and eventually major meals like Sunday lunch and Christmas, easing his loneliness and giving Sílbhe and the children steady support. Maia, initially wary, warms and begins to rely on him for small favors.

During a heavy snowfall, Cian picks Maia up from work. In the quiet warmth of the car, she speaks about English coins at the shop and her mixed feelings, which opens into grief about Cora. Maia recalls Cora’s beauty, grace, and nightly reading that felt like escape, and then the refuge stay, fear of men banging on the door, and returning home after a court letter suggested Gordon might gain custody. She recounts the night of the murder: being blocked from reaching Cora, covering Julian’s ears while she had to listen, and names Gordon’s profession as a doctor. Cian responds with gentleness and validates her anger.

Weeks later, Maia finds on her plate a Brennan box containing a silver pendant impressed with the face of a pound coin, which she experiences as a tender tether to England, to Cora, and to home. She shows Julian, who admires the technique but privately dislikes the association with England. They briefly discuss whether anything is happening between Cian and Sílbhe; Maia thinks they make each other happy, while Julian’s awkwardness unintentionally hurts her, prompting a tentative exchange of “love you.”

As Julian continues working with Cian, he daydreams about Cian’s and Sílbhe’s past and realizes Cian is already integral to their lives. He impulsively asks Cian if he plans to marry Sílbhe, clarifies he and Maia would be fine with it, and Cian, flustered but pleased, notes that the decision belongs to Sílbhe. The moment affirms mutual acceptance and the possibility of deeper family connection.