Tim and Sally Metcalfe are left questioning whether they can cope as Lucy's behaviour becomes increasingly difficult in Coronation Street next week. The youngster has been staying with the couple since her mother Rachel was murdered, and her father Richie is now in prison, accused of the crime. Tim, however, is burdened by a secret that could alter everything.
Tim's Guilty Secret
The turmoil began when Tim discovered Richie at home covered in blood and called the police, only to learn later that Richie had been charged with Rachel's murder. Richie has consistently claimed self-defence, and Lucy fiercely believes her father's account. She was present when her mother died and insists she saw Rachel attack Richie with a knife before he fought back.
For Tim, an added layer of guilt stems from the fact that he encouraged Richie to go home and reconcile with Rachel after their falling out. Now, he can't help but wonder if things would have been different had he stayed silent. Richie is not making things easier.
Richie's Desperate Request
Next week, Tim receives a visiting order from prison and goes to see his cousin, only for Richie to make an uncomfortable request. Richie begs Tim to support his self-defence claim, insisting it's his only chance to avoid a prison sentence. Tim refuses to lie, but Richie loses his temper and reminds him that he might never have returned home that night if Tim hadn't encouraged him to go back. The words hit Tim hard, deepening his guilt.
Lucy's Struggle at No.4
Back at No.4, Lucy is also struggling. Shona suggests that Sally meet her for lunch, giving Lily and Lucy a chance to make peace after their recent run-in. Lily offers an olive branch by handing Lucy a letter of apology and opening up about losing her own mum. She tells Lucy she understands what she's going through, and Sally is touched by the gesture. Things seem to be improving, with Sally even suggesting that Lily and Lucy could become best friends.
But Lucy's mood quickly changes when her thoughts turn back to her dad. Sally and Tim try to reassure her that Joanie and Shanice will visit their mum once they return from Spain, but Lucy becomes increasingly resentful. She desperately wants to see Richie and even begs Tim to let her speak to him on the phone. When he refuses, Lucy lashes out and refuses to come down for tea, leaving Sally and Tim admitting they may be completely out of their depth.
Trauma Triggered by Small Noises
Lucy's nerves are still clearly shot. When Tim accidentally sends a pan crashing to the floor, she jumps out of her skin and immediately heads into the garden. Tim follows and tries to reassure her, telling her that No.4 is her home too. But with the trauma of witnessing her mum's death still fresh, even the smallest noise can send Lucy into a panic.
