Sally battles to stay positive as the doctors do all they can to save Pippa’s life. Tam tries to do the right thing – but it all goes horribly wrong when Brad accuses her of stealing. Tony is stunned to learn that Geoff is turning his back on a sporting career to train as a religious minister.
Extended Summary
Sally is sick with exhaustion and fear as she waits for Pippa to come out of theatre. Brad tries to comfort her, taking her hand…and for a second Sally’s heart stops at the unexpected contact. But the moment is broken as Pippa is brought back. Ric and Cassie join them as a subdued Dr Bentos reports that while Pippa is stable, the next 24 hours will be crucial. All Sally can do now is hold tight to her little girl’s hand, willing her to survive…
With everyone at the hospital, Tam is left on her own. Worrying for Pippa, and missing her mum, she goes in search of company – but Geoff makes it clear that she’s on her own. Even so, she’s determined to help Brad any way she can, and manages to persuade Rory to help her clean up his motel room. It’s a good deed, but when Brad discovers that a large amount of cash and some personal items have been stolen, it looks like Tam’s guilty. He attacks Tam, and she insists she’s innocent. Disbelieving, Brad tears strips off her. But when Jack nabs the real thief, Brad realises he’s made a terrible mistake…
Sally battles to stay positive as Pippa’s life hangs in the balance. She admits to Leah that she hopes this will bring her and Brad closer again. Leah hopes she’s right, and tries to talk her about Alf, but Sally closes down, not ready or able to forgive him. Alf, meanwhile, has moved out of the house and on to the boat, struggling with his shame and guilt. Ric tries to reach him, to offer some kind of comfort, but Alf pushes him away.
Ric begs Sally to talk to him but her only focus is Pippa. And her heart soars when she’s given the joyful news that Pippa will make a slow but full recovery. Ric, Cassie, Sally and Brad crowd around Pippa’s bed, flooded with relief. But as Brad watches the bond between mother and daughter – the family closeness that he’s been locked out of since the wedding – he realises he doesn’t belong and slips away…
Sally takes notice of Brad’s disappearance, but there’s something she needs to do before she speaks to Brad. Alf is nervous when he sees Sally stepping on to the wharf – and he sags with relief to learn that Pippa is out of the woods. It’s the news they’ve all being longing for, but Sally keeps her distance, emotionally and physically. As she walks away, Alf cuts a sad and lonely figure. He loves Sally like a daughter – but it seems their relationship has been destroyed. Can Sally ever forgive him?
Meanwhile, Tony gives Geoff some great news – he’s arranged for Geoff to play a footy match in front of a city selector. It’s an amazing opportunity for Geoff, but to Tony’s astonishment Geoff turns it down, explaining that he’s decided to focus his energies on training to be a minister. Tony points out that he can still play footy and study – but Geoff is determined to put all distractions aside and focus on God’s work. Tony respects his decision but he’s left wondering if Geoff understands what he’s choosing to walk away from…