Connie stood outside her house with a brick in her hand debating whether to throw it or not. She looked at the house where she and Michael had spent most of their fifteen years of marriage and just felt hatred. When she had come to pick up her purse she had discovered a row of bin bags, each one full of her belongings, her clothes, her make up, her photos. Rooting through one she had found her purse. Gingerly she had opened it, hoping against hope that he had not done what she would have done. But he had. All her cards had been cut in half, the money taken and just a not left. A note from Michael telling her that the bank account had been emptied. Filled with hatred and loathing Connie had picked up the nearest heavy object.

Suddenly her pager beeped. Distracted for a moment Connie dropped the brick. Checking her pager, she saw that she was needed in theatre. Quickly she threw all the bags into the back of her car and set off back towards the hospital.

The operation took Connie's mind off her predicament and she emerged from theatre almost happy. This happiness didn't last long though. As she walked back onto the ward she was confronted with Michael and Chrissie. Their hands were entwined across the nurses' station and they were deep in conversation. Immediately she turned to go but a hand reached out and touched her arm. Connie looked up at the person whom it belonged to.

"Tricia!"

"You alright Connie?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."

"Don't bother with the act Connie; it's obvious that you're upset. I know I would be."

She glanced over at Chrissie and Michael who were now kissing.

"He's asked her to move in, did you know that?"

The look on Connie's face told Tricia everything.

"Where are you staying? I'm assuming you've moved out."

"I didn't so much move out, I was thrown out. And as for where I'm staying, to be honest I've absolutely no idea."

Connie blushed. She hadn't meant to reveal so much, particularly to Chrissie's mother. It was just the sight of them, together, made her forget to put up her front.

"Oh Connie I didn't realise."

"It's okay. It isn't widely known."

"You'll need somewhere to stay though. I'll keep an eye out for places."

"Thanks but I doubt there will be any suitable since I am now penniless."

"Don't worry. I'll find you somewhere."

Tricia reached out and squeezed Connie's hand.

"You'll be fine. You're stronger than both of them."