08/08/2025

Ruth’s having a great time doing the harvest despite despite finding the tractor seat uncomfortable. There’s still a big chunk left to do so after a break she and Stella get back to it. Stella continues filming on ‘combine cam’ and the two of them happily give a running commentary. However Stella’s stopped short by a hare leaping out in front of them. She’s reminded of her dog Weaver for a second. Ruth confesses she finds it hard not to beat herself up about the accident and his death. Stella reiterates Weaver was just following his instincts. Ruth knows Stella’s forgiven her – but wonders if she’s forgiven herself? Stella admits she’s not sure if she’s ready yet to get another dog.

After a sumptuous picnic lunch with David the two women crack on with their task. Stopping to deal with a slow puncture on the trailer, they chat about Stella’s dad. She admits harvest time brings back the memory of when he died. Ruth feels similar about her mother, recalling the harvest before her death of a stroke. They agree it’s easy to get absorbed with work and miss precious moments, especially when there’s no warning of what’s to come.

Later they wrap up combine cam and the wheat harvest, pausing to admire the view of the beautifully cut fields. Stella reckons she’ll get another dog after all. Suddenly Brian appears, shocked and furious that Stella’s defied him. He hurls insults and they quarrel bitterly, until outraged Stella quits. Brian’s left to wonder what Stella’s done.