13x05 - Episode Five

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MATURE JENNIFER: Some pleasures
are simpler than others.

The high, bright sky of a brand-new day.

CAT MEOWS

The affection of friends.

Serving others.

Giving to others.

Belonging with others.

And knowing, at last, that a prize

may be within our grasp.

SHE SIGHS
My first event as mayor!

I want it to be a wonderful
seaside experience for everyone.

It'll be absolutely smashing, Vi.

I can't wait.
Bit of relaxation.

There'll be no relaxing
for you, Fred Buckle.

You're the mayor's consort!

Now, the coach company still needs paying

and... we mustn't forget prizes!

Prizes? For what?

The sandcastle competition.

Now where are you going? Oh!

To distribute invitations

and to drum up support
from local businesses.

Who could refuse such a worthy cause?

From you? Not many.

MAN: Morning.

SHE CLEARS HER THROAT

WOMAN: Good morning.

Hello, everyone.

Now, mayor's excursion!

All are welcome,

but spaces are limited.

CHATTER, BABY CRIES

Mrs Webster?

Now, would you like a story

from Sister Monica Joan whilst the
nurse checks with the baby

in Mummy's tummy?

Oh, what a little dote!

In the cubicle.

I shan't tell you off
for chewing your nails.

That's not my job.

Though I can advise that they're not
particularly nourishing.

It's Miss Webster, by the way.

We're not married. Not yet.

I shall ask Miss Higgins to amend
your records accordingly.

I know what you're thinking.

Two children out of wedlock.

I've been a midwife for over 45 years.

As shocking revelations go,

that's rather low on my list.

We did plan to get married
before we had Danielle, but...

...we used to row something awful,

so we went our separate ways for a while.

Hopefully, that's it now.

Indeed.

You've got two children to think of.

They need stability.

I know.

Neither of us had much of that.

Both grew up in children's homes, see?

My ma d*ed when
I was Danielle's age and...

...Dad couldn't cope. That's what it
said in my notes anyway.

Melvin doesn't even know
what happened to his.

And now you've been blessed
with a family of your own.

This is a chance for both of you

to be the parents you didn't have.

That's the thing, though.
I thought when you had kids,

that's when you became
like a proper adult, but...

...if I'm honest, I feel more like
Danielle's big sister

than her mother.

ENGINE OFF

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

I did it!

I knew you could! Yes! Yes!

Well done. Well done.
Hey! Er, wrong side!

Really? You trust me?

Of course! You just passed
your driving test!

SHE CHUCKLES

CHATTER

Welcome to the play scheme!

Please find a space to sit.

That's right.

Help yourselves to squash and biscuits.

Danielle, stop it!

The man'll shout.

Oh, no, not at all. It's lovely to
see her enjoying herself.

The concept of play is very new

to a lot of these disadvantaged families.

They may take a while to warm up.

ENGINE OFF

Perhaps we could visit a showroom later.

It might be a good idea
to build your confidence

before we rush to buy another car.

To quote the examiner,
I am extremely assured.

Sir Matthew! Just the person!

Now, I don't know if you've
heard about my excursion.

Of course!

It's the talk of Poplar!

And I shall be driving.
I just passed my test!

Oh, congratulations!

We're going to a showroom later!

Well, we didn't actually agree on that.

- How are preparations going?
- Swimmingly.

Although there is something
of a shortfall with funds.

Since the Alderman Matchett
picnic fund fell by the wayside,

we're, erm, reliant upon
the philanthropy of...

...generous souls... like yourself?

- Usually, I would be very...
- He'd be delighted to help!

VIOLET GASPS

Sir Matthew, you are a saint amongst men!

For anyone who hasn't already
attended these play sessions,

there are structured activities
such as singing and games,

but the most important thing
is to have fun!

Yay!

Oh, and for those of you
who haven't already met him,

er, this is Mr Robinson,

our new child welfare officer.

Perhaps you'd like
to announce the excursion.

Exciting news.

Our mayor has organised a trip to
the seaside this Sunday!

Everybody's welcome!
CHEERING

- Will there be food?
- Is it free?

If you can be quiet for a moment,

we'll provide all the details.

I can't think of anything worse.

How can you say that?!

If it was Maracas Bay
in Trinidad, then count me in.

The last beach I went to
in England was so cold

I nearly developed hypothermia.

And the lucky ladies
off to the seaside are...

Nurse Highland!

And...

Nurse Clifford!

SHE GASPS

Why have you made me a dress?
LAUGHTER

It's a changing cape, Teddy, not a dress.

And you will get plenty of use
from it this summer...

the mayor's trip and a week in Devon.

Can we keep this on?

They don't have any arms! They're
for getting changed under...

DOORBELL RINGS
..not playing in!

That's it.

SHE GASPS

ALL: Timothy!

ANGELA: Are you staying for long?

Yes, I'm home for the summer!

CHEERING

- Oh!
- MAY: Are those for us?

I've been living off tinned
pineapple for two months

to get enough tokens to get these.

It's a beach ball!

And a Lilo.

PATRICK: Here.

Oh, that's enough now.
It's almost bedtime! Oh...

Lindy Webster...

Young lass at clinic today
with her daughter Danielle.

You've visited them before
at home, haven't you?

Yes, I have.

And to put it mildly,
it was utterly chaotic.

There's a vulnerability about her

that deeply concerns me.

Brought up in a children's home.

And I do worry that
without the right support,

it'll be a case
of history repeating itself.

Oh! No balloons, thank you kindly.

Instructions from the mayor.

The convoy has to be decorated uniformly,

or, erm...

...she'll have our guts for garters.

That's right, Cubs. Use the
full length of the coach.

No jostling, now!

PHYLLIS: You two! With me!

Tout de suite!

Please, could you just...

In the back. No fighting.

Can I go in your car? Please?
That coach is chaos.

It's a case of muck and nettles
in my opinion, but hop in!

EXCITED CHATTER

Everybody in your seats, please!

Anyone prone to travel sickness,

please ask me for this in good time.

A queasy tummy can't be helped,

but vomit on the seats will incur

a fine from the coach company
and shan't be pleasant for others.

Cast your gaze elsewhere.

My constitution is
rather robust at the moment.

Pregnant lady coming through!

You're in the right company
if Baby arrives today.

Clear off.
I need to put me feet up!

Do you want a drink?

Everyone ready?

As we'll ever be.

How about a song?

♪ Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside

♪ Oh, I do like
to be beside the sea! ♪

That's the spirit!

Oh, Matthew, don't be such a spoilsport!

HE SIGHS

ENGINE STARTS

HORN TOOTS

HORN TOOTS

Sick duty was my forte growing up!

Father was head of a boys' prep,

- with me as the only girl.
- Miss! Can I have the bucket?

Most people shudder at that,

but they were simply the happiest years

and the entire reason
nursing became my vocation.

I often helped Matron
in the school sanatorium...

- Miss! He's going to be sick!
- ...and she used to say

my natural aptitude
for caring shone through.

He's going to be sick, Miss!
If only I had the same faith

- in myself as she...
- Bucket!

HE RETCHES

That's it.

MATTHEW: Stop here! Stop! Stop!

Matthew! Please do not
shout "stop" like that!

How was I to know there was a pothole?

It had nothing to do with your driving.

I... I just need to use the telephone.

DOOR CLOSES

Yes, this is, er, Sir Matthew Aylward.

I wish to speak with Mr Richards
as a matter of urgency.

Oi! Who threw that?!

It was him, it was him, it was him!

Hey, stop! Turn around!
Turn around!

Throw it. Throw it at that boy.

BOY: Ow!

If children cannot look
to their own parents

to set a good example,
then who can they look to?

Why are you looking at me?
They started it!

Because you are an adult, Miss Webster!

HUMMING

HE LAUGHS NERVOUSLY

DOOR OPENS

I'm sorry.

Some business with a stockbroker
I needed to check.

No more work chat now,
please. Today is a holiday.

Isn't it, Jonty?

- Yay!
- Yay!

ENGINE STARTS

Oh!

Here, Vi, it's turned out nice for us!

LAUGHTER

I see you got your new necklace on!

I am the mayor, and it is important
to keep up standards!

Oh, welcome to Poplar's inaugural
summer mayor's excursion!

CHEERING

♪ She was afraid to come out
of the locker

♪ She was as nervous as she could be... ♪
Oh!

Not quite the beach weather
I was expecting.

Oh, I know, but I love
the British summertime!

♪ Two, three, four,
tell the people what she wore

♪ It was an itsy bitsy
Teenie weenie... ♪

PHYLLIS: Smile!

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS
Lovely.

Oh! Thank you.

ALL EXCLAIM

♪ ..So in the locker,
she wanted to stay

♪ Two, three, four,
tell the people what she wore... ♪

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

FRED: Come and get it!

♪ ..Yellow polka-dot bikini

♪ That she wore for the first time today

♪ An itsy bitsy Teenie weenie
yellow polka-dot bikini... ♪

What?

What?
CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

SHELAGH: Well done, Violet.

You've done such a wonderful
job putting all this together.

Everyone seems to be enjoying
themselves, don't they?

And it's lovely to see the enthusiasm

for the sandcastle competition.

Yes, particularly from the fathers.

SHELAGH LAUGHS

I just hope that there's
enough food to last all day.

GROANING NEARBY

VIOLET: I think there's enough food
to last until Christmas.

I want to go on the Lilo!

One moment, May.

Is that young lady in distress?

Lindy?

Are you all right, dear?

LINDY: Just some twinges.

PHYLLIS: Looked more than
a twinge to me.

Come on, let's get you back
to the maternity home

before Baby comes.

Er, do you want me to come?

No, you stay with your family.

Miss Higgins, will you drive my car

- while I go in the back with Mother?
- Certainly.

Oh.

We've never been to the seaside before.

I know, lass, but it can't be helped.

There'll be other chances.

Come on, or Baby will be
born a long way from home.

LINDY PUFFS

♪ lp, dip, dip my blue ship

♪ Sailing on the water
Like a cup and saucer

♪ O-U-T spells out! ♪

Yaaay!

Can somebody help Martin
look after my Cubs, please?

I will, Nurse Crane. Don't worry!

Thank you.

Come on.

ALL EXCLAIM

- Quick, quick!
- That's it. In you go, in you go.

- Good boy.
- Patrick, where are the girls?

With you, last time I looked.

They were right here a moment ago.

ALL: May!

May! May!

Angela! Angela!

May!

- May!
- Angela!

Do you like my shell collection?

Where's May?

She's in the sea.

SHE GASPS

SHE GRUNTS

May!

SHELAGH: May!

- May!
- May!

SHE SPLUTTERS

FAINTLY: Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

Keep still or you'll drag us both under!

SHELAGH: May! May!

Come on! Quick!

Bring her here where I can lie her down!

That's it. Come on, come on.

Come on, that's it.

SHE SOBS

CYRIL: Breathe.

PATRICK: We need to clear
her airway! That's it.

Oh, May!

May!

May!

That's it, good girl. That's it.
MAY SOBS

SHELAGH SOBS Good girl.

SHE GROANS

Can't you go a bit faster?

Safety is paramount.

I shall therefore remain diligent

in observing the correct speed limit.

LINDY GROANS

Can I have a balloon for Danielle?

I'm sure that can be arranged.

THUD!
Oi!

Can you go a bit slower, please?

LINDY GROANS

Nearly there, that's it.

Oh, erm, someone'll need to tell Melvin.

- He'll be at the Hand and Shears.
- At this hour?

Any hour!

Is there a radio?

I beg your pardon?

I had one with Danielle.
It took my mind off the pain.

She come out to
Ballad Of The Green Berets.

This baby will come out on the floor
if we're not careful!

RADIO PLAYS

Nine centimetres dilated.
Almost ready to push.

I feel like I want to push now!

Not yet. You'll be fully
dilated soon enough.

Then you can push.

You're doing beautifully!

SHE GROANS

SINGS ALONG TO RADIO:
♪ Don't you worry, baby, now

♪ Your love is in my heart

♪ Hang on, baby

♪ Hang on, baby

♪ Hang on, baby... ♪

And there we have...

...a pretty necklace!

Don't you look grown-up?

SHE GROANS

Baby's head is coming very quickly.

You're almost there. Well done!

SHE GROANS

Nice and slowly.

Pant for me, like this.
SHE PANTS

SHE PANTS

That's it.

SHE CRIES OUT

Baby's head is out.

SHE GROANS

One final push for me, Lindy.

SHE GROANS

That's it. Keep going.

SHE CRIES OUT

BABY CRIES

Did I do it?

You did indeed!

You've a beautiful little girl.

BABY CRIES

Congratulations.

Hello.
BABY CRIES

Hello.

BABY QUIETENS

She's perfect.

She is.

Do you have a name?

I have now.

Michelle.

Shell for short.

Because I went into labour
at the seaside!

I dread to think what would have happened

if it wasn't for Joyce and Cyril.

We were very, very lucky.

Mm.

But we can't dwell on the what-ifs.

I feel sick.

I diagnose too many iced buns.

My chest hurts.

Where, sweetheart?

Does it hurt when you breathe in?

Let me have a listen.

Now, big deep breaths, in and out.

That's it.

And again.

Good girl.

It sounds clear.

It's probably coughing strain.

Sleep will be the best medicine.

- Yes. It's well past your bedtime.
- Oh!

HE LAUGHS Five more minutes.

And no more iced buns!

A present for you
from your new baby sister.

LAUGHTER AND LOUD VOICES

Hello, princess!

Our policy is one visitor at a time!

Who are these gentlemen?

Wouldn't call 'em gentlemen.
LAUGHTER

Everybody out! Now!

This is a maternity home,
not a public house.

But the father may stay!

Ah, you've done it again, Lind.
Look at her. She's beautiful.

LINDY: Got your nose.

MELVIN: Oh, don't say that
in front of the poor girl.

BABY CRIES

TRICKLING

Nurse!

She's had an accident.
Can you sort it out, please?

A picnic buffet supper.
How wonderful!

We didn't want you to miss out,
so we brought the leftovers back!

And half the beach.
DOOR OPENS

Oh, Nurse Crane, did you manage to
make it back in time?

By the skin of our teeth!

Mother and baby girl both doing well.

If nobody minds,
I'll take these up with me.

I'm going to develop my photographs
in the bathroom.

- Now?
- Yes.

NANCY: I was hoping for a
bath before bed.

I've sand in places
that I never knew existed.

It won't take long,
and if I don't do it now,

I may never get round to it.

TV NEWS: This is the second
such demonstration

in the Grosvenor Square
area in the past two weeks...

Shall we get her upstairs?

Let's leave her to sleep.

I'll tuck a blanket round her.

...and certainly
the largest gathering so far.

It is understood that several
arrests have been made,

and the Prime Minister has...

TV OFF

KNOCK ON DOOR

Don't open that door! The
photographs will be ruined!

NANCY: Are you nearly done,
Nurse Crane?

She's still not done.

Just use the outside bathroom.

Are you joking?

I'd rather be covered in sand
than spiders, thank you very much!

A sip of milk to soothe your throat.

How's the patient?

Oh, definitely a lot worse
in the last couple of hours.

Hello, trouble.

Mind if I have a little listen?

Her chest is very rattly.

Her breathing's laboured.

Oh, perhaps I should call your father.

I saw something in the emergency
ward during training.

A man was admitted after he'd fallen
from a fishing boat.

He had a very similar
presentation to May.

The diagnosis was water aspiration.

I'm worried that it could be the same.

But that happened yesterday.

And she was perfectly fine
just a few moments later.

Inflammation of the lungs can show
up after a few hours,

days even, after submersion.

That was the case in the man I saw.

And was he all right?

We need to get May
to hospital immediately.

Everything is as we'd expect.

Tootsies fanning out nicely.
And...

...she's got good reflexes.

Long legs, too.

I reckon she could be a ballerina.

That's what I always wanted
to be when I was little.

Maybe this one'll get
the chance that I never had.

Oh? Do you hear that,
twinkle toes?

I think we might be

seeing you on the stage with Miss
Nadine's dancing school.

LINDY CHUCKLES

Just a quick look at her eyes
now and then we're done.

We had some trouble with Danielle's
right eye when she was a baby.

It was sore and it made her cry.

The poor little thing couldn't
tell us what was wrong.

Anyway, she hasn't had
any problems for a while now.

Hmm.

I'm just going to take her

into the other room.

I'll get a better look
where it's not so bright.

We won't be gone long.

Come back soon!

Mummy's going to miss you!

Time was we'd be reporting
ophthalmia neonatorum

to the authorities on a weekly basis.

Any eye trouble's rare
in newborns these days.

It's the improvement in hygiene.

This is like a tiny spot,

right at the back.

But I can't be sure.

We'll have to keep checking.
KNOCK ON DOOR

Timothy's on the telephone
for you, Doctor.

SIREN WAILS

Oh, I'm here, sweetheart!

SHELAGH: Oh... Oh.

MAY MOANS You need to wait here.

SHE SOBS

The Lord is my rock and
my fortress and my deliverer.

My God, my strength in whom I will trust.

- PATRICK: Shelagh!
- Oh!

Where have they taken her?

Which paediatrician is she with?

I don't know, Patrick.
They haven't told me anything!

You wait here, and I'll go and find
out what's happening.

I need you to stay here...

...with me.

You aren't the doctor in this situation,

any more than I am a nurse.

We're just May's parents, Patrick.

I know we are.

SHE SOBS

Bathing Baby's eyes in sterilised water

will help keep them clean of infection.

Can you do it?

- I don't want to hurt her.
- You won't.

Very gentle strokes with the pad...

...from the inside of the eye
outwards.

DOOR OPENS

That's it.

FOOTSTEPS

Good morning, Lindy!
How are we getting on?

- All right, thanks.
- I've got some provisions for the baby.

Here is some information
about financial support,

along with the relevant forms.

It would be prudent to get these
completed as soon as possible.

What's that?

Perhaps it's best
to talk to Lindy herself,

seeing as she's right in front of you.

Shelagh, this is Denzil Kerrigan.

Hello, Mrs Turner.
Sorry to be meeting you

when you're both
on the other side of the fence,

- so to speak.
- Are any results back?

Do you know what's wrong with her?

May's chest X-ray shows that

she is suffering from water aspiration.

It... it's a form of...

...partial drowning.

But she seemed perfectly all right.

Once we brought her
out of the water, she was fine.

The damage was already done.

Or... being done.

Her lungs are struggling to function.

We'll keep her on oxygen

and she's already receiving antibiotics.

But the next few hours
are going to be quite crucial.

You know where to find me.

SHE SOBS
Shh.

How did I miss this, Shelagh?

...I should have anticipated it!

Even brought her in last night...

- No...
- when she felt sick!

No, Patrick. This is my fault!

I should never have taken
my eyes off her in the first place!

Shh.

PHONE RINGS Oh.

I simply cannot bear to imagine

what Shelagh and Dr Turner
are going through.

A carefree day at the seaside
turning into a nightmare.

I can hardly believe it.

What's the matter?

May's poorly, sweetheart.

But she's being looked after in hospital

by very clever doctors.

That was Mrs Buckle on the telephone.

The, er, Gazette are doing
an article about the excursion.

They want to use one of my photographs.

Oh, how lovely.

Well, we'll look through them together

and see which one
to choose to put forward.

When will May be home?

We're not quite sure, darling.

The doctors are working
very hard to get her better.

I miss May.

I know.

We all do.

Can we go and see her?

Please.

They're very strict
about letting children visit.

There's a biscuit left.

It must be May's.

And we want something for the Gazette

that truly captures
the spirit of the day.

Which one best represents our community?

This is a lovely one.

BOTH CHUCKLE

There's Sister Veronica
enjoying an ice cream.


hand, and I didn't get another.

COLETTE LAUGHS

Why is that little girl's eye funny?

Hmm, let me see.

I must have made a mistake
when I was developing it.

Thank you.

We're going to need two next year.

Coaches!

You've no idea how many people

have been asking if the beach
trip is going to be returning.

Word is spreading fast, Fred!

HE CHUCKLES
Well, that's smashing,

but can I get my breath back
first before we start planning

the next one?
DOOR OPENS

Morning, son. How can I help?

What would you like
for breakfast, sweetheart?

Her mum's in the maternity home with
the new one, so I'm on duty.

Ooh, congratulations!

I'll...

I'll take these.

What, chocolate? For breakfast?

Sugar gives you energy, don't it?

Oh, erm, and a pack of ciggies.

Millicent, I need to talk
to Dr Turner rather urgently.

Would that be appropriate,
all things considered?

There's been no news of little
May overnight, good or bad.

I think he values
the distraction of work.

Doctor...

I wonder if I may confer
with you about something?

Of course.

This is a photograph
I took of Lindy Webster

and her daughter Danielle at the beach.

I didn't notice it at first,
but look at Danielle's eye.

It looks as though it's reflecting light.

It's not normal, is it?

No.

It's not normal at all.

What sort of tests?

Do you see the white ring
inside Danielle's eye?

Sometimes something shows up on camera

we can't see in real life.

And sometimes it indicates a problem.

What sort of problem?

I'm not a specialist, Lindy,

but I do think we need
to get this looked at

by someone who is - at the hospital...

...and as soon as
we can organise it.

Can't it wait?
I've just had a baby.

Doctor thinks...

the specialist should have a look
at the baby as well.

Might it be something that's...

...catching?

Not catching as such.

But it might be something
that affects them both.

FOOTSTEPS

I'm praying for poor little
Danielle and her sister.

That young couple could
barely manage as parents

to begin with, and they
certainly won't be able to cope

with two poorly children.

Well, the welfare office
must be informed.

I think I'll head to the hospital.

My support may be needed.

Teddy will be very cross that you're
getting all these sweets

and not saving any for him.

Teddy didn't nearly drown.

BOTH LAUGH

- Hello. Guess what!
- Did you find Dr Kerrigan?

I waylaid him on his way
to his afternoon clinic,

and he gave me some good news.

This morning's X-ray showed

a significant reduction
in lung inflammation.

In fact, there is every evidence
that this young madam

- has responded very well to treatment.
- Did you hear that, May?

Perhaps you'll be coming home soon.

Kerrigan is planning to discharge her

when he makes his rounds.

As he said, she will need careful nursing

for at least two weeks,

but with her own personal
medical team on call,

he doesn't doubt she'll get it!

Did you hear that, May?

You'll be back where you belong.

Oh!

Mild concomitant esotropia
in the right eye.

Stay nice and still for me, please.

Suspected choroidal detachment.

What does that mean?

Can somebody tell me what's going on?

We'll need to get a clear picture
before we discuss any findings.

Can you see anything wrong?

Results will go to your consultant.

DOORBELL RINGS

I'll get it.

Ah, it might be the district nurse.

We can show her
how well you're doing, May.

Good day, Mrs Turner.

It's Miss Williams.

From the Hong Kong adoption project?

Yes, of course.
Hello, Miss Williams.

I am sorry.
It's been quite a while.

How can I help you?

We received the news
on May's hospitalisation.

I wanted to pay a visit
and see how she was doing.

It was a dreadful ordeal
but she's much better now.

Would it be possible to have a quick
chat with May herself?

Of course. Come through.

May, do you remember Miss Williams?

She's come to see how you're doing.

Hello, May.

Oh. We'll leave you to it.

Can I get you anything, Miss Williams?

- Tea? And I've just baked some scones.
- No. Thank you.

I'm fine.

- Mm.
- This isn't a social visit.

SHE SIGHS

Can you hear what she's saying?
It's been ages.

FOOTSTEPS

I shall be on my way now, Mrs Turner.

May and I have had a lovely chat.

Can I ask...

...what will happen now?

May is a content little girl.

She's clearly happy living with you.

But I need to go back to
the office and file my report.

This is standard protocol with
foster children, Mrs Turner.

I'm sure you understand.

In your report, will you explain
it was just an accident?

One minute she was
right in front of me...

I shall write down all the facts

so that they can be properly
discussed and considered.

I see.

We will be in touch.

SHE SIGHS, DOOR CLOSES

How much longer are they
going to keep us waiting?

What, you'd rather be with your
mates at the pub, would you?

Oh, wonderful. There you are.

I was hoping I hadn't missed you.

What are you doing here?

I thought you might need my support.

DOOR OPENS

Danielle and Michelle Jones.

What do you both understand about
what's been happening so far?

Well, that's just it. We don't
understand nothing really.

There might be something
wrong with Michelle's eyes.

And then there was a thing about
Danielle's eye in a photo.

Yes, you're right.

There is something wrong.

I'm sorry to say that
the results have revealed

that both Michelle and Danielle

have retinoblastoma in their right eye.

Fortunately,
there's no sign it has spread.

I don't think the parents
know what that is.

- Is that an infection?
- No, it's not an infection.

Retinoblastoma
is a malignancy of the retina,

the back of the eye...

...most often discovered
in childhood.

- Malignancy?
- A cancer.

I'm very sorry.

It's caused by a genetic defect,

which is why both your daughters
are affected.

Cancer?

Both?

Both of my babies have got cancer?

I'm afraid so.

That isn't true.
It can't be true!

I can't lose my babies. I can't!

I know we agreed to make
the trip together,

but I was just...

passing the car showroom and I...

simply couldn't resist a quick look.
HE SCOFFS

I saw the perfect one
called a Sunbeam Imp!

Isn't that the most delightful
name for a car?

Erm...

Oh, you think it's frivolous?

Well, the sales gentleman said

it's actually an excellent
choice for a new driver.

Mmm.
HE CHUCKLES

I do realise it's at
the slightly... pricier end.

So... not a decision to rush into.

Well, nor should we wait until
I'm too decrepit to drive,

surely?

HE CHUCKLES

We'll need to proceed with treatment

as quickly as possible.

You're lucky it was
picked up when it was.

For Michelle, we recommend radiotherapy,

but Danielle will certainly
need enucleation.

Why does nobody talk English to us?!

Enucleation is a surgical
procedure to remove the eye.

Oh!

But if you take the eye out,
you take the cancer out?

And she'll live?

We hope so, yes.

What happens next?

Well, we'll move
things along very quickly.

Do you have any support?
Any family? Any grandparents?

Nobody.

It's just the two of us.

The girls will need a lot
of specialist care, Lindy.

And they'll get it!

From their mother!

DOOR OPENS

PHYLLIS:
Both in shock, as you can imagine.

DOOR CLOSES
And Lindy's still

recovering from the labour,
so she's been brought back here.

Lindy, you know Mr Robinson
already, don't you,

from the welfare office?

He's here to help.

I'm not stupid.
I know what this is.

You want to take my babies away.

That's the last thing we want to do.

But there is the option of help
from other people

while Danielle and Michelle
have their treatment.

Are you talking
about foster care? No!

That is not happening!
I know all about that.

We want to make sure you have
everything you need.

All I need is for my babies
to be healthy.

I'm taking them home.

You're welcome to stay here
as long as you want.

There's no rush to leave.

You'll need to recover too.

I'm fine.

Melvin, come on.

DOOR OPENS

The hospital have
raised significant concerns

about their ability to cope.

My concern is that everybody
appears to be underestimating

what that young couple can handle.

We need to keep this place
as clean as possible from now on.

Melvin?

This is our fault.

What are you talking about?

We're a bad combination.

It's us that done this to our
girls. That's what they said.

- You can't think like that.
- Yeah, well, I do.

I can't help it!

You can help it, though, Melvin.

Either we...

...grow up

and concentrate on getting
our girls through this, or...

...we fall to pieces and...

HE SOBS

We might not have had
much choice about our lives,

but we can choose what sort
of parents we're going to be.

HE SNIFFS

DOOR SLAMS

LAUGHTER

Look what Mrs Buckle
sent for you, May. Oh!

Not many girls get baskets
of iced buns from the mayor.

I wish someone would send
me a basket of iced buns!

- Can I have one?
- Oh, Patrick!

At least wait until
your dinner's gone down!

TIMOTHY: Whoa!

This donkey's trying to throw me off!

Cos you're too heavy, that's why!

Be careful, please! We don't
want any more hospital visits.

PHONE RINGS

Good evening. Dr Turner speaking.

But we've already received a visit.

Oh, well, yes, of course.

That's no problem.

Oh, very well.

We'll see you, then.

Goodbye.

That was Miss Williams.

We're to go in
and see her in her office...

for a meeting about May.

What if we enrolled Jonty in preschool?

St Nicholas is one of the best.

And it's a five-minute walk
from the Barbican flat.

Matthew?

Are you listening?

If you're still cross with me about
spending nights at Nonnatus, just say,

but please don't sulk!

I was miles away, that's all.

Preschool for Jonty?
What are your thoughts?

That it is an unnecessary expense?

Even if it means more time for us?

Is that really a valid reason for
shipping my son off to school early?

Your son?

I'm... sorry.

I'm... I'm sorry.
I didn't mean that.

I'm thinking of him.

It's better than a nanny.

And he's so sociable,

he'd simply adore spending time with
children his own age.

Leave it with me.

I'll see you tomorrow, then, shall I?

WHIRRING AND CLANGING

I highly recommend earplugs!

You get used to it.

Do you have a moment to talk?

Unofficial break.

Might need to duck if I spot the gaffer.

You'd best get back to work, then.
You can't afford to lose this job.

I'll go when I'm ready.

Life doesn't work like that,
unfortunately.

If we all waited till we were ready,

I doubt anything would get done at all.

Don't need a lecture. Ta.

It's not a lecture.

It's advice...

...from someone much older.

I cannot fathom what
you're going through, Melvin.

But I do know that you must dig deep

and do your very best by those girls,

however ill-prepared you feel.

What if I'm just not up to it?

- Do you love them?
- Of course I love them.

Then you'll discover
that you are up to it.

Al right, back to work!

Your break's over.

As it happens, since I came to see May,

Miss Tang has been in touch,

asking about news of her daughter.

She does telephone from time to time,

though we don't encourage it.

But we were, of course,
duty-bound to inform her

of the incident at the beach.

Consequently, she has questions.

PATRICK SIGHS

What exactly did you tell her,
Miss Williams?

And what questions does she have?

I related the facts as I understood them.

And she asked why May was alone
when this incident occurred.

She wasn't alone. We would
never neglect our children.

Nobody's suggesting that.

We're simply trying to get
as clear a picture as possible.

Miss Tang also referenced
the playground incident

where May's foot required stitches.

Two years ago?

She had a playground
accident, as any child might!

I did those stitches myself!

Miss Tang is aware that you're a doctor,

and, indeed, a nurse.

As she put it to me,

"I thought my daughter would be more
safe with them, not less."

Oh... Do you think
we could lose May?

This is not a case of you
losing the child you foster, Mrs Turner.

But May might have to be
removed to an environment

in which her mother has more confidence.

Well, what can we do to reassure her?

Well, can we write to her?

Can you send her some kind of report?

We already send letters, and
photographs too, sometimes.

We're always tactful.

I see no reason why that can't continue.

But May's mother has now asked
for an ongoing, formal review

of the arrangement and for May to be
moved if she is not satisfied.

The decision will be taken
in three months' time.

BABY CRIES

You need to rest.

I'll take her.

BABY QUIETENS

BABY GURGLES

I'm sorry.

You're right, Lind. I want us
to be the best parents, too...

...whatever happens.

I promise...

...things will change.

Melvin, what the heck are you doing?

I love you, Lindy Webster.

HE SNIFFS
Would you please

do me the honour of becoming my
wife, for better or worse?

Yeah!

ALL SHRIEK AND LAUGH

Mummy and Daddy are going to be
right here when you come out.

We'll see you in two ticks,
angel. Hmm?

SHE SOBS

Oh...

I've been so afraid
of May seeing me upset...

...I've held it all in.

And here's the place to let it out.

You've been through such an ordeal.

Of my own creation.

You must try and forgive yourself

and move on.

SHE BREATHES DEEPLY

What if they take May away from us?

Are you all right, Matthew?

Er, fine. Why?

Well...

...you've been desperate for me to
spend more nights at home,

and now I'm here you've hardly said
a word to me all evening.

SHE SIGHS

I'm sorry.

I'll be right through.

Thanks.

So, how are you all bearing up?

Oh, up and down.

But we're coping.

Michelle starts radiotherapy tomorrow.

And Danielle's doing really well.

She's having an ocular pros...

- Prosthesis?
- That's the one.

They showed us at the hospital and...

...it looks much better
than I thought.

And the main thing is,
it definitely hasn't spread.

BOTH SIGH

That's wonderful news.

Where's Melvin?

Oh, he's at work. Not in the pub.

- He's taken on extra work.
- Good for him.

And we're officially engaged.

Silver paper.
He's saving up for a ring.

Priority is making sure
the girls don't go without.

Very sensible.

And congratulations.

You should be extremely proud of
yourselves.

Quite right.

We are...

...actually.

FRONT DOOR OPENS

FRONT DOOR CLOSES

DOOR OPENS

FOOTSTEPS

Patrick...
I'm sending this to Hong Kong.

To May's mother?

I thought it would be nice
for her to see May

in the dress she sent at Christmas.

But you completely remade
that dress, Shelagh...

...to make sure it fitted her,

to make sure May wouldn't be upset.

But what if her mother notices?

If she notices, she'll know it's
because I'm doing my best.

I need her to see that.

Perhaps I need to see that, too.

That's all we can do, isn't it?

Our best.

Other people will be making the decision.

MATURE JENNIFER: Is any
pleasure simple, in the end?

A smile can be the fruit of terror,

and of courage.

Our happiness is
often rooted in its opposite.

The thr*at that rocked us
that did not come to pass.

The loss averted.

The tears we did not cry.

But if our shadows fall behind us,

they can also lie ahead -

watching, waiting for their turn...

...under cover of the sunshine.

VERONICA: They've been left
by their mother.

She begs someone to look
after her children.

Ooh!

Something is causing this
and we need to know what it is.

CYRIL: I joined social services to
help families.

Now I seem to be breaking one apart.

Studying? At this time of night?

You've been lying to me
about this for months!

I haven't been lying to you!
I've been shielding you!