After the police came, Todd Grimshaw disappeared from the everyday spaces of Weatherfield.

He was no longer seen at the cafe, nor was he seen in the market or on the streets.

Friends assumed he was in London for a few days — but the truth was Todd was just hiding, hiding in his apartment, living in fear of being scrutinized.

That night made him realize one thing clearly: he had to leave Theo.

But the thought only flashed in his mind in a moment of fear — because Theo was not someone who would easily lose his “prey.”

The silence in the apartment was chilling. Todd walked past the mirror, smoothing his hair to hide the swelling on his temple. He had truly loved Theo, had believed they were destined, had thought this relationship was a safe haven. But it all fell apart. And more painfully — Todd realized he was making excuses for the person who had hurt him. That conflict haunted him, keeping him up at night.

Theo appeared from behind the kitchen, softly asking Todd if he had “rethought it.” The question was short, but full of threats. Todd didn’t answer, just stepped back. Theo sat down by the window and said something that made Todd shiver: “No one but you understands me. If you leave me… I have no reason to exist.” This guilt-binding tactic is not unfamiliar — it is the invisible chain that abusers use to bind their victims.

Todd once tried to unlock the door at night. But when his hand touched the handle, he suddenly remembered Theo crying, holding his head, blaming himself. Todd softened — he went back. And that was the mistake that kept him trapped for so long.

But everything changed when Summer accidentally saw Todd while visiting. Seeing him lower his head, quickly covering his bruises, Summer pressed her questions. Todd shakily replied: “It was just an accident.” But Summer didn’t believe him. Her eyes made Todd reflect himself — a person no longer normal, no longer free.

That night, Todd left a note in the bedroom, just one line: “I need to breathe.” He ran out of the apartment, standing in the middle of the cold street. But before he reached the end of the alley, Theo called out. His voice sounded like an order. Todd stopped, shivering, turned around. His steps were slow as if he had lost his soul.

What hurt the viewer the most was not the physical blow — but the fact that Todd was afraid of his own freedom. He understood that choosing to break up would open up confrontation, hurt, and possibly losing everything. But staying would be a hell that would never end.

The episode put Todd on the precipice: either risk breaking away from the person he once loved, or live forever as a shadow. And if Todd didn’t save himself… no one else could.