I was slightly inspired by the song Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran. So I wanted to get this short story out there before I lost the idea and the motivation to write it. At the start of Series 7 we never know/see exactly what happened in Spain from Louisa's perspective and thought it would be fun to write my own version. I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter One

It was a week ago that Martin performed the operation that saved his wife's life. Now, as he stood in their bedroom, her bags were packed and ready to go. Like he did during her first attempt to leave, he moved across the landing to the nursery and James's cot. He peered down at his son, seeing that he was wide awake. When Martin reached down to touch his forehead, James latched on to his father's index finger and gurgled. Martin smiled slightly, but feeling melancholy all the same, as he wasn't sure when James and Louisa planned to be back - or if they would be returning at all.

"Are you sure you don't mind driving us to the airport?" Louisa asked, appearing in the doorway of the nursery.

Martin looked away from James towards Louisa. Her left arm was still in a sling, and the cut on her cheek was now a mere bruise. The bandage on her neck from her operation had been removed when she was discharged from hospital. "No," was all he said.

"Okay." She glanced down at her silver wrist watch. "Well, we should leave in a few minutes. The flight's at two."

"Yes. I'll just, um, put your bags in the car."

"Thank you, Martin." Louisa watched as he swiftly left the room. She looked down at the floor for a moment. This was the hardest decision she felt she ever had to make - taking James and heading to Spain without Martin. But it was the only thing she could think of to help save their marriage. They needed a break from each other, at least she did.

"The car's ready," Martin said when he returned.

Louisa turned around, broken from her thoughts. "Thank you. Can you get James?"

"Yes." Martin stepped back into the room and moved towards James's cot. He picked up his son, who wrapped a small arm around Martin's neck. "Are you sure you have everything?" he asked her.

"Yes. I double checked this time."

"Mm." He looked away from her then led the way down the stairs.

The drive to the airport was in an uncomfortable silence. Neither Louisa nor Martin knew what to say. Martin kept glancing in the rear-view mirror at James. He had his foot pulled towards his body, and his fingers grappled to take hold of his sock. It was going to be very quiet - and lonely - without Louisa and James around. Since his time when he lived alone, he had adjusted fairly well with his wife and son under the same roof, but now that they were leaving, he wasn't looking forward to the silence at all.

They arrived at the airport on schedule and as Martin was buckling James into his pushchair, Louisa kept her eyes downcast. She didn't know how she was going to handle having to say goodbye to him.

"Um, do you have your boarding pass?" he asked, standing up straight again.

"Yes, Martin. It's in my carry-on."

"Right. Can I walk with you to the gate? Um, to - you know, relieve some of the exertion on your shoulder."

Louisa furrowed her brow. "Is that allowed?"

Martin shook his head. "I'm sure it'll be fine."

She smiled slightly. "Okay. That would be nice, Martin. Thank you."

After a brief argument with the woman at the check-in desk and some persuasive medical jargon, Martin was able to accompany Louisa and James through security and to their intended gate.

When the call that passengers were ready to be boarded came, Martin stood up with James in his arms. Louisa had a bit of difficulty getting to her feet because of the sling, so Martin helped her up with his free hand.

"Well, that's us, then," she said, trying to break the silence between them.

"Yes." Martin glanced at James. His head was turned away, as he was fascinated by the people walking by. "Goodbye, James." His son turned at the sound of his voice, and the boy gave him a smile. "I'll miss you, but you and Mummy are going to have a wonderful time in Spain."

As Martin spoke to James, Louisa watched him. It made her heart swell to see these tender moments between her husband and son. But it also broke her heart to see him saying goodbye to James. The two had a special bond, whether Martin was aware of it or not, and to see him looking so sombre, it was almost her undoing. But then he handed over James and she carefully took him with her good arm.

"I'll call you when we land," she said, adjusting the strap of her carry-on.

"Yes." Martin stepped closer and brushed his hand over the crown of James's head. It was an awkward goodbye. I mean, were they supposed to embrace? Shake hands? Wrapping his left arm around her and James, Martin bent his head so it rested against Louisa's. "I'm going to miss you, you know," he whispered.

Louisa closed her eyes. She couldn't bear to look at him. "I know." Lifting her head, she opened her eyes, feeling the tears threatening to fall. "I wish I didn't have to leave." He was silent and unmoving as he listened to her. Shaking her head, she continued, "I don't know what else to do, Martin. You've been pushing me away. You won't talk to me about what's troubling you, and I just can't do it anymore."

Martin swallowed hard. "I know. I'm sorry."

"I just think that some time apart will help."

He nodded. "How long will you be gone?"

Louisa shook her head. "I don't know. I just need the space to think."

Martin grunted and looked down at his shoes. He could feel his eyes start to water. She didn't assure him that she'd return, and that's what hurt the most. He cleared his throat and glanced back up to meet her eyes. "Mm, you should go before you miss your flight."

"Yes, I know. But can you do one thing for me?"

"Yes."

"Will you kiss me goodbye? Give us a proper sendoff?"

The corners of his mouth tugged slightly. He looked around furtively at the other waiting passengers. He disliked public displays of affection, but he wasn't sure of the next time he would see his wife and son. So, pushing his inhibitions aside for a moment, Martin leaned down and kissed her gently. Pulling away, he brushed his hand over James's head and stepped back. "Um, remember your Warfarin pills. And make sure to stay hydrated during the flight."

"Yes, I will."

"Mm." He couldn't bear to say goodbye to her.

An attendant came over, giving them the last call. "Ma'am, Sir, this is the final call to board."

"Yes, thank you," Louisa answered her, trying her best to be polite. She faced Martin one last time. "Bye, Martin," she said with a little wave, then turned towards the jetway.

Martin held his hand up as she turned to go then let it drop at his side. He stood still as he watched her make her way slowly towards the jetway. James turned his head around to face Martin with a perplexed expression. His fingers were in his mouth and Martin held his hand up once more to wave to James. When his wife and son disappeared down the corridor, he turned on his heel and made his way back to the heart of the airport.