'DAAAAD!' screamed Tom as he ran towards his father. Gordon was sat in the armchair next to his bed in the side ward. As always he was smartly dressed, it worked as a deterrent so as not to alarm his children. To the outside world Gordon looked as fit as you or I. In fact he'd improved drastically over the few weeks he'd been off ventilation and was making amazing progress; determined as ever to get back to work. But Jill and Gordon had decided to keep the children away, until now. There was no point getting their hopes up until they knew Gordon was making the progress he needed.

'Hello you two!' Gordon greeted his two eldest children, ecstatic to see them after such a long time apart. Katie and Tom ran to their dad and wrapped their arms around his neck, glad to be back in his arms again. Jill stood several feet away observing the scene that made her heart and soul glow. The two youngest Ormerod's were missing from the occasion but they didn't understand what was going on and it seemed important to let Tom and Katie spend some quality time with their dear father.

'Dad...Dad! We've really missed you! You haven't been at home to read me my bed time story or tuck me into bed-...' hurried Katie

'And I haven't had anyone to play football with!' butted in Tom

'I know, and I'm really sorry but I'll be back home soon. And I promise you I'll tuck you both into bed and read you stories, and Tom I'll play football with you to your heart's content son.' Insisted the father, realising home with his own injuries had affected his children's life.

'Katie tell your dad what you got a school yesterday' ushered Jill, encouraging her step-daughter.

'Yeah Dad, I got a star pupil award!'

'Did you now?! That's fantastic, well done darling' Gordon kissed his daughter forehead as she grinned at his praise.

And the four of them spent the best part of an hour talking and catching up, just like old times. It was only when Jill realised Gordon was starting to get tired that she made her excuses and after a lot of persuasion got the children out of the way.

'Right come on you two. Time to go now, I'm sure both have you have homework to do' she laughed, knowing they'd do anything to try and avoid the 'mountain' of homework they both had.

'But we want to stay with dad!' Moaned Tom, with Katie whining in the background

'Do as Jill says please, I'll be home soon I promise!' Urged Gordon, ensuring his children did as they were told.

They both hung onto their dad for dear life and gave him a ton of kisses, then reluctantly left the room.

'I'll be back tomorrow morning Gordon' added Jill as she kissed her husband goodbye and left.

Gordon smiled longingly after the three of them. His determination renewed to get home as quick as he could. But now it was time for a nap...