Nick's birthday sends out high anxiety amongst the Demdyke Row household when Julie informs him that she may have her income support reduced if she refuses to sign out a form that opens a deep wound in the history of Rebecca's parentage. Nick begins to worry that the clock is ticking for his time to come, meaning that Elsa will be brought back onto the scene all over again. Frank swallows his pride and apologises to Elizabeth for the mix-up with the cheque books. He persuades her to come back to work by agreeing to her boundaries. Jack and Joe help Annie move into her new cottage.