Episode 3852

Extended Summary

Alf is a man basking in satisfaction. Today is the day he brings his former sweetheart and the true love of his life back into his world. He’s planning to take Viv on a tour on the Blaxland, a visit to the pool, and lunch at the Diner. Kirsty and Kane are also basking in satisfaction after two days bunkered away in a caravan of love and study. Kane is weak because of chemo, but he’s ready to make his cancer public, Kirsty is confident about her exams, and their relationship’s been renewed. The only false note of the morning is sounded when Kirsty tells Kane to leave the keys for Beth to pick up…and then pockets them herself! What is she up to?

Viv’s arrival has forced Dani to spend the whole night finishing off the manuscript; Viv plans to hand it over for Alf to read today. Dani tells Scott that Alf better get ready for a bombshell. Meanwhile Colleen’s in a tiz at the news that a fellow Miss Groper is coming to town…”Even if,” Colleen remarks, “Viv’s year was particularly weak…”

Sally waits at school to wish Kirsty luck with the exam. Kirsty says she’s going to blitz her last two exams in honour of Sally (her tutor) and Kane. Sally walks Kane home and tells him that other people might think his relationship with Kirsty is odd, but she’s grateful to be a part of it – “There’s magic in it.” Kane says Sally and Flynn’s relationship is what he aspires to. It’s why he’s going to beat the cancer and live. Kirsty’s strange behaviour with the key is explained when Laura arrives back in town. Kirsty plans to swap places with her twin if her final exam is too hard! Laura is reluctant, but Kirsty pleads with her; if she fails…Kane will always blame himself. She can’t risk that. Will Laura do this one small favour for her?

Viv breaks down in tears after the boat trip. Alf says he can take her back to the hospital, but Viv refuses – she has something important to do and the pool is the place to do it. It’s where Alf first proposed to Viv all those years ago, and it’s where she presents him with a short story that Dani prepared.

Viv ran away years ago because she was pregnant with Alf’s child! She thought their family prejudices (Alf’s parents were Protestant and Viv’s were Catholic) would destroy their love, so she adopted the boy within the area, keeping only a locket of his hair. She gives the locket to Alf and waits for his reaction. Does he hate her? He takes her into his arms. Of course not. They are finally together.

Irene can’t believe Kane kept his cancer a secret for so long – she vows he won’t be alone in his struggle. Colleen is truly touched by his gift of flowers for her support.

Kirsty has a strange conversation with Dan after her history exam. He tells her he’s watched her over the last few weeks since the concert and has come to admire her. He wishes her luck with physics tomorrow. A surprised Kirsty thanks him, and leaves.

Dani and Scott return the pool to pick up Alf and Viv. They see Viv cradled in Alf’s arms. But on closer inspection they realise Viv is slumped awkwardly. Alf turns to them with tears in his eyes and says, “Vivienne’s gone…she’s gone.”