Tim and Sally Metcalfe are left questioning whether they've taken on more than they can handle as Lucy's behaviour becomes increasingly difficult in Coronation Street next week. The youngster has been staying with the couple since her mum Rachel was murdered, with her dad Richie now behind bars, accused of the crime.
While Tim is determined to help Lucy through the trauma, he's also hiding a painful secret, and he knows the truth could change everything. It all began when Tim found Richie at home covered in blood and called the police, only to later learn that he had been charged with Rachel's murder.
Richie's Request
Richie has always maintained that he acted in self-defence, and Lucy fiercely believes her dad's version of events. She was there when her mum died and insists she saw what happened, claiming Rachel attacked Richie with a knife before he fought back.
For Tim, though, there's an added layer of guilt. He was the one who encouraged Richie to go home and try to sort things out with Rachel after the pair had fallen out. Now he can't stop wondering whether things would have been different if he had kept his mouth shut.
Next week, Tim receives a visiting order from prison and heads to see his cousin, only for Richie to make an uncomfortable request. He begs Tim to back up his story that he acted in self-defence, insisting it's his only chance of avoiding a prison sentence. Tim refuses to lie for him, 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, leaving him with even more guilt.
Lucy's Struggles
Back at No.4, Lucy is struggling too. Shona suggests that Sally meet her for lunch, giving Lily and Lucy the chance to try and 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 that she understands what she's going through, and Sally is touched by the gesture.
Things seem to be heading in the right direction, 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. 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 that they may be completely out of their depth.
A Panic Trigger
Lucy's nerves are also clearly still 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.
