She knew she had to head back sometime. Back for evening surgery, ward rounds and anything else that might crop up. All this followed by a night on call.

Her day, she knew, was far from being over, thanks to Mr Harper's new doctors rota. Her break, which today she had decided to take in the beauty of the Italian Gardens, away from The Royal, a much needed escape from reality. Mr Harper had been scrutinising their every move. Asking questions, diverting her attention away from those who needed her most. Her patients.

So, she had retreated to the peace and serenity of the gardens. The only sound being that of the water feature which sat proudly in the middle, the birds singing cheerily. Apart from that, silence.

She'd sat on a wooden bench, which was situated in amongst the displays of perfectly cared for flowers, the pink and purple ones were always her favourites. As the resident bumblebees went about their work, her mind began to wander.

The light showed no sign of fading, despite the evening fast approaching. There were only a few clouds to be seen, breaking up the otherwise clear blue sky. The perfect setting.

She thought back to the morning's events. Mr Harper observing her in casualty, followed by many questions about her surgeries. Wanting to know every little detail, writing it all down, ready to report back to the DHA later.

So, she was very glad to leave the hospital for an hour, knowing the questions would begin again later. She had hardly seen Gordon, much to her disappointment, let alone sit down and regain her thoughts. Recharge.

A little bird caught her eye. Sitting on a wall, only briefly before flying off. She wondered where, the thought of flying off to wherever she fancied proving rather tempting.

Checking her watch, she sighed as she realised her break was almost over. The thought of heading back, for today at least, was not a positive one. Her stomach was churning at the thought of what Mr Harper required from her. More questions. More changes. More scrutinising. Mustering every last bit of energy she had, she slowly rose to her feet, trying to convince herself to put one foot forward, and begin the walk back to The Royal.

Time, was one thing she wished she had more of. Time she knew was precious. That she knew. She also knew Gordon would be wondering where she was, eagerly awaiting her return. His feelings were much the same as hers, yet there was very little they could do.

Taking one final look around the beauty of the Italian Gardens, she slowly made her way up the flight of concrete steps, starting her walk back to normality. Back to The Royal, where, she secretly hoped, Gordon would be waiting for her. A very welcome distraction. A very welcome one indeed.