The rest of the day passed fairly quickly for Jill; house calls, evening surgery and ward rounds, and surprisingly no emergencies, although Jeff had been called out to one. She was just completing some paperwork when there was a knock on the door. She turned, fully expecting it to be Gordon coming to check if she was finished for the day. However, it was Lucy Klein who popped her head round the door, and entered after Jill gestured her to do so.

"Take a seat."

"Thank you." The psychiatrist smoothed her skirt, sat down and crossed her legs elegantly. "I've just been to see Mr Heath."

Jill swallowed nervously, the emotions she'd kept at bay all afternoon now surfacing once again. "How is he?"

"To be expected. It'll take some time, but I'm confident he'll be okay."

Jill nodded, feeling a little relief, only for it to be forgotten about a second later when Lucy continued.

"He wanted me to tell you something as well."

"Oh yes?"

"He told me you spoke to him this afternoon. I believe he said something like 'You've done more than enough' after your offer to help him. Am I right?" Lucy questioned, to which Jill nodded. "He realises it perhaps came across in the wrong way. He didn't mean it to sound as if he blames you. He means you've already done so much to help, and he doesn't want to put you to any trouble."

Jill merely nodded and glanced down. She knew she should be happy at this, but if anything, it made her feel even guiltier.

"Jill?" Lucy's concerned tones made her raise her head. "Are you alright? Your reaction wasn't what I would have expected."

"I'm fine. I'm pleased honestly."

"You blame yourself don't you?"

Lucy's matter of fact tone startled Jill slightly. And despite Lucy being a psychiatrist, Jill didn't realise anyone could read her that easily, except perhaps Gordon.

"Okay, perhaps I do." She sighed, glancing at her hand fiddling with a pen on her desk, trying to think of anything that would retract away from the conversation she really didn't want to be having.

"Why is that?"

Jill shook her head, hastening to stop the questioning as she quickly realised Lucy was in full psychiatrist flow. "Thank you for your concern Lucy, but I'm fine really. Anyway, I keep meaning to ask you, did you see Mr Sullivan as well?"

"I didn't. He was sleeping so I'm popping back in tomorrow. Speaking of which, I should get going." She stood up, looking intently at Jill, but saying nothing.

"Okay Lucy." Jill stood up as well. "Thank you for coming to tell me." She opened the door and exited after Lucy, in time to see Gordon also leave his office. He turned and saw her.

"Hi."

"Hi." She replied. "All done?"

He shook his head. "I'm going to see Mr Sullivan. I don't know how long I'll be."

She nodded understandingly. "I'll see you at home then." She leant in and kissed him, squeezing his arm, an unspoken understanding passing between them.


It was nearly 10 o'clock by the time Gordon finally arrived home. Jill was just coming downstairs after checking on the children and met him in the hallway. "Hi." She greeted, waiting until he'd deposited his doctor's bag, removed his shoes and hung up his coat before moving towards him and sliding his arms around him.

She hated to admit it, even to herself, but the incident was still affecting her, and sometimes she just needed a hug from her husband, perhaps just to confirm to herself that they were both okay.

However, now, she didn't receive what she needed, didn't feel his arms encasing her in return. If anything, Gordon pulled away, averting his face and muttering something she couldn't make out. He moved past her, and she let her arms fall to hang by her sides, as she watched his retreating back disappear into the kitchen. She too made her move, once his was out of sight through the door. Instead of following him though, she entered the living room, going straight to the settee and sinking into it.

She couldn't deny that his demeanour had hurt her, but at the same time, she was sure it wouldn't last for long. She thought he was probably bothered about whatever had happened when he saw Mr Sullivan, and just needed a little space. She reasoned she'd leave him for a little while, let him think through whatever was bothering him. Then she'd go to him, get him to open up, and help him. And maybe she'd get that hug.

She just hoped she wasn't being too idealistic.