A steady stream of patients with various real, and not so real, ailments filled her afternoon. None proved too demanding, most quickly appeased with her diagnoses. Then came the ward rounds, which weren't so pleasant. Matron was breathing down her neck round Fawcett Ward; she hadn't been in a particularly sparkling mood all day. And Mr Rose felt he needed to voice his unasked-for opinion on her two patients in Milner. Needless to say she wasn't best pleased.

Despite this, she wasn't entirely happy when all was done and home beckoned. Unusually for her, she dithered in her office, then at reception, before finally making it out into the car park, by which time Gordon's car had gone. Then she embarked on the drive home, apprehension filling her as she neared her destination.

After their exchange of words in the car earlier that day, Jill had entered the hospital quickly and busied herself with work. She'd only seen Gordon twice since then, passing each other in the corridor, but no words were spoken. The tension hadn't been resolved.

She arrived home reluctantly, unable to put it off any longer. Although, she did manage to spend a whole five minutes tidying the glove compartment of the mini. With a sigh, she left the car and walked up to the house. She unlocked the front door slowly and stepped inside, unsure how her arrival would be received.

Again, she took her time; removing her coat with deliberate slowness, and aligning her shoes perfectly in the cupboard. During which time, she ascertained Gordon's location in the kitchen, by the sounds it emitted.

"Peace offering?" He turned when she finally entered, holding a glass of wine out to her.

She took it, murmuring her thanks. "Look Gordon, I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to sound like I thought you couldn't cope. I just-"

"Jill." He cut her off. "I know you didn't mean that. I'm the one who should be apologising, biting your head off when you were only caring about me. I know it's no excuse but-"

"Emotions were running high. I know." This time Jill interrupted Gordon. "It's been a difficult time, I understand. It's bound to affect us in one way or another."

"All the same, I'm sorry."

"Forget about it." She smiled at him, relived when he returned it. "Now cook. I'm hungry, it smells delicious, and I don't want it ruining whilst you stand here staring at me."


They spent an enjoyable dinner together, the earlier awkwardness pushed far from their minds, allowing room for gentle teasing, banter and general chat. They washed up together then spent the rest of the evening in the living room, speculating about what the children were doing, and whether they were running their grandparents ragged. Before long Jill was dozing on Gordon's shoulder as she sat slouched, perfectly comfortable, against him. He spent a few minutes just enjoying the feel of her body against him, running his hand through her silky hair and stroking her back softly. Eventually he roused her, knowing it would do her more good to be in bed.

As soon as she slipped under the duvet, Jill closed her eyes, snuggling sleepily up to Gordon. "Night love." He whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Night." She murmured back.

He hugged her close, feeling her rib cage rise and fall beneath his arm, in unison with her soft breaths hitting his neck. Her breathing slowed and deepened, pulling her towards sleep as Gordon lay awake, reflecting upon the day. He was glad Jill had forgiven his stupidity, twice, though he still felt guilty at how he'd responded to her offer of help, and a little embarrassed at how he'd acted at the police station.

He glanced down at his wife. He was so proud of how she'd held herself together whilst talking to Sergeant Miller. He knew it was hard for her to think about that terrible day, let alone recount everything she remembered, and yet she'd acted perfectly composed, only faltering the once.

He tipped his head, just about place a kiss into her hair, when her head shot up, narrowly missing hitting his chin. "What?" He exclaimed, startled.

"The doors." She answered perfectly calmly and surprisingly awake, seemingly unaware of his near-injury. "Did I lock them?"

"Yes, I'm sure you did." He sighed, already knowing his words wouldn't appease her and she'd have to go and check.

"I'll just make sure." She said, doing just as he predicted.

He sighed again as she left the room, flopping onto his back and staring at the ceiling. The sounds of her footsteps upon the carpet of the ground floor reached him, but no sound of bolts sliding or keys turning; he knew she'd already locked them. He was even sure she'd checked after their dinner.

It wasn't long before the re-entered the bedroom. He forced his tone to remain even as she slipped back under the duvet and placed her head on his chest. "Okay?"

She nodded, her hair tickling his neck as she moved. Despite himself, he smiled and wrapped his arms around her. He just had to keep reminding himself that the locks made her feel better, and if she had to check them a couple of times, it was fine.

"Night... again." She murmured and placed a kiss on his chest.

"Are you sure you want to tell them?" Gordon asked suddenly.

Jill tipped her head back, opening an eye to look at him. "Tell who?" She replied sleepily.

"Everyone at work, about... well, you know."

"Oh, mmm..." She mumbled and trailed off. She moved her head in what Gordon took to be a nod, but he couldn't be certain.