Zoe rushed through the ED in the search of a quiet place where she could process her thoughts. She walked past cubicles and found a store cupboard in which she quickly entered making sure no on saw her. She closed the door and collapsed beside the cabinet with her head in her hands. Not only did Zoe realise that she had pushed Max too far but she realised that her life revolved around work which has stopped her from having any hope of a social life or a life away from work.

The door opened and Tess stood there looking at Zoe who sat, slumped on the floor holding her head. She entered the large cupboard and closed the door behind her.
"Zoe." Tess said her name sighing.
"Tess, please don't start I know I shouldn't be in here but I'm having a bad day and..." Zoe said just sighing as she reached the end of an unfinished sentence.
"Happy birthday." Tess simply replied sitting down next to her.
"Well that's the first problem." She said causing both of them to laugh.
"It's not so bad, try being 16 years older, then it'll hit you."
"You may be older but you have more to show for it." Zoe said rubbing her head.
"Yes, all of the wrinkles you mean?"
"No, I mean you have Sam and you had Mike for the better part of a 20 year marriage and what do I have? Nothing. I've hit 40 and have nothing to show for it." Zoe said as she felt comfortable in the knowledge that Tess would lend he a shoulder to cry on.
"Zoe you and I we are very different. For one, I am Clinical Nurse Manager whereas you are a consultant which is a job that requires more time and energy. I love my job and by no means am I suggesting that it is easy but I don't envy you consultants. You don't get a break from being a doctor so you forget to make a life outside of the ED. You're not the first that this has happened to and you won't be the last either." Tess said as she gave Zoe a hug and Zoe collapsed into Tess' embrace.
"Connie offered me holiday leave." Zoe said looking up at Tess who had began to stand up.
"There is no one more deserving of a break than you Zoe." She said as she held out a hand to Zoe.
"It's okay to take a breather from the chaos. It doesn't mean that you are weak if you take a break... It just shows that you're human." Tess said as Zoe got up and walked out of the cupboard.

Thank you all for the reviews. Sorry this is such a short chapter but I really enjoyed writing this so I hope you enjoy reading it too :) I will update again tomorrow if I get at least 4 more reviews so please continue to R&R :)