It was a busy Saturday morning in the Turner house, Shelagh was preparing breakfast while Patrick and Tim were double checking they had all their things packed for their weekend camping trip with the cubs.
As they ate Patrick noticed Shelagh seemed quieter than normal he tried to catch her eye but she looked away. Once they were finished he sent Tim to clean his teeth and slowly approached her as she started cleaning up.
"My love what's wrong?" He asked softly.
"Nothing Patrick. I hope you boys enjoy your trip." She replied trying to sound cheerful.
"Shelagh please I can see you're upset." He says taking her hand in his and kissing it.
"I will miss you both." She confesses.
"We will miss you as well but we will be back on Monday morning and we will be together once again."
He hugs her and presses kisses to her temple, she hugs him back fiercely as if she is scared he will disappear.
"We can stay if you need us to." He says worried about her.
She pulls away and shakes her head.
"No you must go it is already planned. I will be fine."
He cups her cheek and kisses her chastely.
"Dad I'm ready." Tim says coming back into the room.
He gives Shelagh a hug.
"Bye Shelagh see you Monday."
"Goodbye Timothy dear." She calls as he heads to collect his bag.
She tries to hide her tears from Patrick by finishing cleaning the table.
"Have fun dearest." She says heading for the kitchen.
He desperately wants to comfort her but they have to get going or they will delay the bus. He quickly writes a note that he loves her and leaves it on the table before racing out the door.
Its Monday morning when Patrick and Tim enter the house, dirty but happy. They had a great weekend but are happy to be home.
"Shelagh." Patrick calls out while Tim looks around.
"She must be out. Right Tim I just need to check in at the surgery to see if I have any important messages. You unpack the bags and read your book until I get back."
"Ok dad. Will mum...I mean Shelagh be home soon?" He corrects himself.
"Hopefully son. We need to talk about you calling her mum soon though, I know you want to but she needs to be comfortable with it as well." He reassure him, they have spoken about it a few times hopefully they can talk to her about it tonight.
He heads off to the surgery wondering where she is and what upset her before they left.
15 minutes later he is reading the notes Dr Greenwood left when Tim bust in.
"She's gone." He cries.
"Timothy!" Patrick shouts guiding him to a chair, he is about to tell him off for running with his legs still weak when he registers what he said.
"What do you mean Tim?"
Tim holds out a note in one hand and her engagement and wedding ring in the other.
Patrick takes the note and sees his wife's neat handwriting.
I am so sorry Patrick, I'm not the woman you married I can't hide it anymore. I have taken all my things and will return in a year to sign the divorce papers. I'm sorry I can't be what you need. Please tell Tim I will miss him.
"Dad, she is what we needed. Why did she leave, is it my fault for being sick?" Tim says through tears.
Patrick hugs him close and comforts him.
"We will figure this out son don't worry." He whispers.
After giving Tim some painkillers for his legs they drive to Nonnatus.