A weary and tried Jill walked into reception with a certain absentmindedness about her. She was dressed smartly as always but somehow she seemed lost and bewildered. Her usual rosy complexion was tinged with greyness and worry.

'Morning Doctor' chirped Lizzie, clearly unaware of what day it was

'Er...morning' replied the female Doctor after a longer pause than could be classed as normal. The awkward encounter was softened by the arrival of Matron in reception.

'Morning. How's Doctor Ormerod?' she questioned, trying to stay professional

'Morning Matron. He's fine as far as we're aware. He rang up this morning to speak to the children. He sounded rather cheerful, the usual Gordon as always... First day of chemotheraphy so we'll have to see what happens'

'I'm sure he'll be fine. We can only hope for the best possible outcome' grinned the old woman, her eyes telling a different story altogether. Jill let out a little smile and then walked off to her consulting room with her patient list for the day.

'Is it today? Does Doctor O start his chemo?' butted in Lizzie 'Oh goodness I'd forgotten. No wonder Dr Weatherill isn't herself'

'Yes it's today. We must do what Doctor Ormerod would want and keep an eye on Doctor Weatherill, and more importantly carry on as normal. No fuss, that's what he said' instructed the senior member of staff in a hushed voice

'Right ho Matron!'

They had each read the letter. It had been read out in reception after closing time one evening. In this case Matron had been the bearer of the bad news. Each of them had reacted in similar ways, with not a dry eye in the house. Even dear Mr. Rose had let out a grunted sob. The respect they all had for Gordon was unprecedented and therefore his wishes would be followed.

Visiting time

A gentle knock on the side ward door failed to wake Gordon from his deep sleep, instead Jill popped her head around and quietly crept in. She sat beside the bed in a high-backed chair and held onto Gordon's hand. The man was grey; his skin lacked its usual brightness. Even his hair looked unfamiliar; not brushed in its usual way. His lips were significantly paler than Jill had ever witnessed before.

'Gordon... it's Jill Gordon' whispered his wife into his ear to which he slowly began to wake up. It took him several seconds to register where he was before his eyes met with those of his soul mate

'Hello there sleepy' smiled Jill as she kissed his cheek

'Sorry- I must have dropped off' Grunted Gordon, mustering up all his energy to try and sit up

'So how did it go?' she asked

'It was okay. How are you? How are the children?' he selflessly enquired

'They're fine... we're all fine Gordon. Stop worrying us, you're the one who needs looking after'

Gordon suddenly went to try and grab a tray off the side but missed, urging Jill to act hurriedly as she grabbed the metal casing and placed it in front of her husband just as he vomited. She lovingly stroked the male's hair backwards, to which he retched again and then collapsed back onto the bed exhausted.

'So that's what constitutes as okay does it?' his wife sarcastically remarked as Gordon drifted back to sleep. Already in his pyjamas Jill tucked him into the hospital bed and sat with him for a while, reassuring him every so often that she was still with him.