No 22
Terese and Toadie arrive home in silence, the atmosphere between them very frosty.

TOADIE: I'm sorry.
TERESE: ... Just tell me what's going on.

The Waterhole
Karl and Susan are at the bar, and very worried about Toadie.

SUSAN: The look on his face!
KARL: I told you he was going through something.

Melanie turns up and asks how the nursery clean- up went.

SUSAN: Oh, don't ask.
MELANIE: Surely the nursery is salvageable?
KARL: The problem isn't the weeds.
MELANIE: Toadie. Again (...) The nursery's always been a bit of a sensitive spot for him. Not that it's any of my business. Nor do I *want* it to be any of my business.
SUSAN: A bit hard when we all live next to each other.
MELANIE: Exactamundo. Which is why I just put out an accommodation SOS. I have adored living with you both - but I've got to get off Ramsay Street. Living across the road from Toad is just... getting a bit much.

Karl and Susan nod understandingly.

No 24
Aaron is chatting to Kiri and Nicolette about Toadie's outburst at the nursery; Aaron feels sorry for Terese.

NICOLETTE: You see, this is why I just don't garden. Cos no good comes of it.
AARON: There you go. Rules to live by!

Aaron heads out for a run. As she embraces and kisses Kiri in the kitchen, Nicolette reassures her...

NICOLETTE: It's not that I don't care about my neighbours. It's just that, the whole time he was talking, all I wanted to do was this.

They get into an extended kitchentop pashing session and begin undressing each other, as Kiri speculates as to how long Aaron might be out. Nicolette suggests going to No 32, but Kiri says that Krista's home.

NICOLETTE: Oh, why do I feel like a teenager again?
KIRI: Ugh. We need our own place.
NICOLETTE: ... Okay.

They both laugh nervously as they process this idea.

Harold's Café
Haz is at the kitchen hatch writing some kind of list, while nearby at the counter, Paul and Mackenzie are comparing intel about Heath and his murky past. Paul asks Mackenzie to 'report back' to him if she notices anything else suspicious about Heath, then begins to walk off.

MACKENZIE (teasing): 'Hi, how are you?' 'Well, thanks - how was your trip?' 'It was great!'
PAUL (smiling): Yeah, all of that.

Paul leaves.

MACKENZIE: That guy never changes.
HAZ: No. It's classic Paul.

No 22
Toadie is trying to explain his current mental state to Terese, and how it began when he was helping Cara to reconstruct the sunroom at No 30, which led him to start thinking about his past.

TERESE: About Sonya?
TOADIE: About everyone.
TERESE: Well, I mean, it's not unusual. We all think about times gone by.
TOADIE: Mm, yeah. But for me it's been more than just reminiscing. It's been overwhelming. I talked to Karl about it, and for the record, he thought that I needed to tell you straight away.
TERESE: Yeah, well, you should've.
TOADIE: How can I? Especially with everything that I've already put us through. I wanted a chance to be able to sort it out for myself. And when I couldn't... I organised an appointment with Rhonda.
TERESE: You've had counselling?
TOADIE: Yeah. A couple of sessions now. We've just been talking.
TERESE: Well, what about?
TOADIE: All of my relationships.
TERESE: Okay, you're scaring me.
TOADIE: Don't be scared, please. Just... look, I love you. You are the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time.
TERESE: Are you sure you're not doubting us?
TOADIE: Yes! Absolutely. It's the opposite. This is... this is why I wanted to throw an anniversary party, because I love you. I love us. I love our marriage.
TERESE: Well, what about today?! Why did you get so upset with me?
TOADIE: I dunno. But I know... I know that you were just actually doing something that's really generous, and really beautiful, and I'm... and I'm grateful. I know I don't have a right to ask this... but can you be a bit patient with me? Do you think you can do that?

Terese looks uncertain.

Harold's Lakeside
Nicolette and Kiri are still very loved up having got takeaway coffees, and are now talking about ideas for their shared home, including a walk- in wardrobe, an en suite with double sinks, a pool and a spa.

KIRI: Hey, it's not crazy that we're moving in together, though, right?
NICOLETTE: No. This isn't a new relationship - we both know what we want.
KIRI: Yeah. Yeah, exactly. And what about Aaron?
NICOLETTE: Yeah, I've been thinking about that. How would you feel if we all moved in together? I know that's not total privacy, but it is the best thing for Isla.
KIRI: Yeah. Yeah, that works for me. Do you think he'd go for it?
NICOLETTE: Well, he was thinking of buying No 32 when it was up for sale. So that tells me he's open to the idea of moving. I guess we'll just have to ask.

They carry on kissing.

No 22
Toadie and Terese are still talking, now over a cup of tea. Toadie thanks her for being so good about this.

TERESE: Well, getting upset isn't gonna achieve anything.
TOADIE: No. I've done enough of that today.

Toadie gets a message from Nell who is at Grease Monkeys with Hugo, asking if it's safe for them to come home. Toadie explains the kids were another part of his motivation for keeping his feelings to himself.

TOADIE: The kids need stability, not a father that's a wreck.
TERESE: Hey, you're not a wreck.
TOADIE: Does this mean you understand?
TERESE: It means I'm trying to.

But she still looks concerned as we fade out.

Penthouse
Melanie turns up to see Paul, having been summoned by text message. He's seen her post on social media about looking for a new place to live, and tells her that one of the Eclipse Apartments at Lassiter's has become vacant - it's hers if she wants it.

MELANIE: Way out of my price range!
PAUL: Yeah, I could probably arrange for it to be within your budget.
MELANIE (laughs): What's the catch?
PAUL: No catch. Let's just call it for old time's sake.
MELANIE: No, seriously, what's the catch?
PAUL: Melanie, when I was in New York, I caught up with Tracey, my cousin - Rosemary's daughter. And we had long chats about loss and regret. You know, I can't make up for every bad decision I've ever made, but at least I can try to atone.
MELANIE: If you're talking about what happened with Krista and Eden, I know you were trying to help me.
PAUL: Yeah. So, will you accept the apartment?
MELANIE: Gladly! Oh, thank you, Paul!

She gives him a hug, and is about to leave, then stops and asks him if he's seen Terese lately.

PAUL: No, why?
MELANIE: I just wondered. Thanks again, Paul. Brilliant.

As she exits into the lift...

PAUL (raised eyebrows): Kooky!

Lassiter's Complex
Kiri and Nicolette intercept Aaron mid- run, to talk to him about their idea to get a place of their own. Aaron isn't surprised, saying he'd seen this coming, but he assumes their plans don't include him - and he says they can explain to Isla that she'll have two bedrooms in two different houses.

NICOLETTE: Aaron, we want you to move in with us.

They say they could either rent somewhere, or pool resources to buy, given Aaron was thinking of buying a house anyway. Aaron says he'll think about it, and then...

AARON: What am I thinking about? I've thought about it. Let's do it - I'm in!

They both hug him excitedly.

The Waterhole
Paul is telling Leo about his offer to Melanie to move in at the Eclipse apartment at a reduced rent. Leo thinks it's pretty generous, but Paul thinks Mel will make a good tenant. Leo looks incredulous, as if he thinks there's more to it. Terese is sitting at another table deep in thought, and Paul glances behind him when Leo looks in her direction.

LEO: Why don't you go over and say hello?
PAUL: No! I'm catching up with my son.
LEO: But why are you avoiding her?
PAUL: Why on earth would I want to do that, hmm?
LEO: You tell me.

Susan comes in and goes over to join Terese, having arranged to meet. Terese assures Susan that she's okay, but says Toadie's going through a lot, and has confided some of it in Karl. Susan admits she knows this, but says Karl hasn't betrayed Toadie's confidence to her.

TERESE: Susan, am I meant to be worried?
SUSAN: Well, Toadie's opening up to you; he's having counselling. I'd say they're two very positive steps. Has he said anything else about the nursery?
TERESE: Only that he's not totally opposed to the idea after all. But he needs time to think about it. You know what's funny? This whole time that we've been married, I've always thought Melanie was the threat. I never, ever, ever thought that Sonya would be an issue.

But this reminds Susan that in fact, Melanie went through exactly the same thing as regards Toadie's past with Sonya being an issue. Terese looks thoughtful.

No 22
Toadie is gazing absently out of the window when Karl turns up to see him. Toadie tells Karl that he's okay; Terese is hurt and confused, but at least he's now told her everything that's been going on.

KARL: This is how things get better. We let them out.
TOADIE: You didn't mean like a tsunami, though, did you?
KARL: How did Terese react when you told her about Mel?
TOADIE: There was so much to say, I didn't even get to the Mel part.

Karl looks concerned.

No 24
Nicolette, Kiri and Aaron are back at home, drinking champagne to celebrate their decision to get a place together. While Kiri's out of the room, we hear that Isla is shortly to be picked up from a birthday party at which she'll no doubt be on a 'sugar high', and Aaron and Nic confess to one another that they are looking forward to palming off some of their parenting duties on Kiri in their new home!

AARON: Hey, Nic, I... I know this isn't a big revelation or anything, but... without David, I've just been drifting. But, you know, buying a house and setting up a new home - it's something that I can focus on. So, I just wanted to say thank you for including me.
NICOLETTE: Hey, we're a team. You have to start believing that.

Kiri is about to come back in, but stops and listens unseen at the door, smiling at what she hears.

AARON: Yeah. I just never knew what the dynamic would be like without David. I always thought that he was the glue that... sort of just made everything work.
NICOLETTE: No, Isla's the glue. We're her parents. We both want what's best for her.
AARON: Yeah, I can see that now. Our family's gonna be different without David. But I'm still gonna be a part of it.
NICOLETTE: Of course you are.

They hug, and Kiri smiles some more.

Harold's Café
Mackenzie is working on her laptop at a table. She spies the notepad that Haz has been writing in, sitting nearby on the counter, and goes over, reading what's on it. It's a 'to do' list with items for the business, including putting financial records in order, and creating forecasting documents, such as projected revenue growth. Haz catches her reading it, and she asks what it's about.

HAZ: Okay, so I was having a bit of a brainstorm before - of, like, hypothetically, what I might do if I was to ever put the café up for sale.
MACKENZIE: I didn't realise that was something you were considering?
HAZ: I love making coffee. But I don't know about this as a 'forever' job. I think I just needed to get away from IT before.
MACKENZIE: Do you miss IT?
HAZ: Yeah, definitely. I miss the mental challenge. And I have a degree in it, so, now that my past is out in the open, it's like, why not put that degree to use?
MACKENZIE: Why have you never talked about this?
HAZ: I dunno. It's been in the back of my mind for a while. Then I was talking to Dex about starting over after stuffing up, and it just got me thinking more and more. Not that it would be easy for me to enter that industry again.
MACKENZIE: That doesn't mean that you shouldn't try.
HAZ: Yeah, but who can bounce back from a reputation as bad as mine and succeed?
MACKENZIE: I actually think we know someone who has.

The Waterhole
Cut to Paul! He is still with Leo, who accuses him of 'playing the long game' as regards Terese. But Paul says she's made her choice to be with Toadie very clear and that he's simply respecting it.

LEO: And how many times have I heard that before?
PAUL: Oh, you know, Leo, even *I* get the message eventually. No, no, I lost Terese, and she found somebody who makes her happy. So good on her, I say.

Paul gets a text message, and tells Leo that he's 'in demand', before rushing off.

Meanwhile, Terese is still with Susan at another table when Melanie comes in. Terese decides to follow up what Susan said before about Melanie encountering Sonya- related obstacles when married to Toadie, and Susan leaves her to it. Terese approaches Melanie.

TERESE: Listen, I just wanted to ask you a question...

Penthouse
We learn that it was Haz who messaged Paul, and they're now chatting in the Penthouse together.

PAUL: So why are you asking for my advice?
HAZ: Because you've got a rap sheet longer than the Yarra River. Yet you always manage to reinvent yourself.
PAUL: I didn't try to manipulate the world through artificial intelligence.
HAZ: Yeah, you did one worse. I heard you went to jail in the nineties.
PAUL: Ah. You know, I think your challenge is gonna be your resources.
HAZ: Uh, meaning that I don't have money and power?
PAUL: You do know you have to earn those?
HAZ (laughs): Yeah, okay. Well, if you have anything else for me, just let me know.

Haz gets up to leave.

PAUL (teasing): Yeah. 'So, how was your trip? Had a good time in New York?' 'Yeah, it was lovely, thanks, glad you asked!'
HAZ (laughs): All that.

Haz leaves, just as Kiri arrives for a hug and a catch- up with Uncle Paul... but we cut away without getting anything meaningful from that!

No 22
Terese arrives home, and tells Toadie she's seen Melanie at the Waterhole.

TERESE: I didn't realise things were so tense between you two. She was a little cagey on the details - what am I missing?
TOADIE: I meant to tell you earlier, but we were just talking about so much, I... I never got around to it. I'm sorry, really. Genuinely. Mel said something to me a few weeks ago and I blew up at her, too.
TERESE: Like you did with me? What did she say?
TOADIE: That my marriage to her was doomed from the start. That's what she thinks.
TERESE: Wow. That must have stung.
TOADIE: I wasn't hurt, exactly.
TERESE: Well, then, why did it bother you?
TOADIE: I don't know. Hey - I don't know, but that's what I'm working on with Rhonda. Just... we'll find out.
TERESE: Good. Good. But you know, this whole thing with Mel happened weeks ago. And she knew about this whole crisis that you're having with your exes, and... you know, I was just kept in the dark. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?
TOADIE: Please, don't read into this. The one thing that I am sure of is the only thing that matters. And that's that I love you.
TERESE: ... I love you too.

But Terese still looks deeply concerned.

No 24
Nicolette and Kiri are lying on the couch together, still talking about new homes - Nic has found some ideas for places that she's saved in her phone. Kiri wonders if Aaron should be here for this, but Nic says they're just getting a head- start on their research. Nic gives Kiri her phone so that she can scroll through the ideas she's saved, and heads to the kitchen to get a drink.

But Kiri has stumbled on a different file - Nicolette's timeline of things that Aaron has done wrong by her and Isla since David's death! It includes his drinking, his attack on Slade, his ripping up of Isla's drawings and his going AWOL. Kiri looks concerned, and tells Nic she's clicked on the wrong file.

KIRI: Why do you have this? Nicolette? What have you done?
NICOLETTE: ...

Coming up on Neighbours
- Sadie remarks that Byron seems 'energetic'; he tells her he has a plan to win back Leo's trust at Yorokobi
- JJ tells Dex they can't keep going on like this - 'just ask her out if that's what you want'
- Dex asks JJ if he'd really be okay with that
- Nicolette asks a conflicted Kiri if she's going to tell Aaron about the file she saw