David eased Marissa down into the couch in the parlour.

"How are you feeling?" he asked once she was settled.

"A little stronger." said Marissa. "It's certainly good to be home."

David loosened her pyjama top to listen to her chest.

"And your breathing?"

"It's fine." said Marissa; taking a series of long deep breaths to show him, only it ended with a cough.

"Easy now." said David. He nodded for her to refasten her buttons. "No, you're breathing sounds good."

"That's great." said Marissa giving him a grin.

David however noticed a tinge of worry in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked taking a seat beside her.

Marissa shook her head.

"I'm fine." she said.

David gave her a longer look.

"And Bianca?" he asked eventually.

Marissa laughed.

"I am that obvious?"

"I just know Bianca of old." David admitted. "She's very good at hiding her problems… until she isn't."

"Like last night?" said Marissa. "She not really mad at Erica… Well she is; but she not the kind of person to lash out like that, and certainly not in front of the kids. She's just finding it hard."

David nodded knowingly.

"Her leg."

"She's been letting it build up. She can cope until something like yesterday happens. She's terrified of going back to hospital."

"…Even if hospital is the best place for her?"

"She just wants a normal life for us and it just isn't happening."

"But I could help." said David. "I could help get her life back. I know my treatment…"

Marissa interrupted him.

"She doesn't want Orpheus."

"If she wants a normal life she needs the Orpheus serum whether she wants it or not. Maybe if you talked to her about it..?"

Marissa shook her head firmly.

"She doesn't need more nights in a hospital bed. We need to find other ways to cope."

"Marissa, I know I can get it right this time… Just one more treatment session and I know I can find the damaged nerve cluster. It may take longer for her to gain full movement because of the muscle atrophy but if I can restore sensation then it will only be a matter of time…"

David stopped talking when he noticed Marissa's look turn hard.

"What's in it for you?" she asked.

"What?"

"Why are you pushing this, what's in it for you?"

David held up his hands to placate her.

"I'm not pushing; I'm just trying to help you both."

Marissa sighed and looked down, moving a hand to hold her ribs where it now ached when her body had suddenly stiffened.

"Okay. Just don't mention your treatment to Bianca. Promise me."

"It will help her." insisted David.

"No. Promise me." insisted Marissa. "Promise me you won't ask her."

"Try not to get tense." said David noticing her discomfort.

"Please." begged Marissa.

"I promise," said David quietly, "Now breath."

Marissa relaxed slightly.

"We'll find another way." said Marissa.

"Of course." said David, but his mind was still on Orpheus and the deadline fast approaching. If he didn't act soon his life's work would be claimed by another pharmaceutical company. Bianca was his only proof; she had to complete his treatment…

…