Marchlands

It's Alice's. Draped over her headstone. Someone is trying

to tell us something. We have a duty.

To have another baby? To try.

They keep asking questions about you, but none of them believe me.

'Everybody is upset.'

'It's all your fault.'

Scott?

What's wrong with you? I'm sorry.

Who was the woman? Olive Runcie.

She's deaf. Lives further out on the forest road.

'I used to do their garden for them.'

Decide if you want some help around the house and then

decide if you want me to provide it.

I don't even know your name. Oh, didn't Mark say?

It's Ruth. Ruth Bowen.

What's your favourite subject? Science.

What do you think they talk about?

You've been asking me that for three months. I don't know.

Do you think she asks about us? She's a social worker. It's her job.

They think this is all our fault.

Maybe it is.

What?

Maybe we've done something wrong, or we didn't do something we should've done.

Or we missed something. Do you really think that?

I don't know, Eddie. I just want Amy to get better.

I just keep thinking back to that Cleveland business.

All those kids took into care. That's different.

We know that but they don't.

Some kind of trauma. That's what they're looking for.

Get back before she sees you.

Stick the kettle on. Make some tea. Act normal.

How do I act normal? I thought I was normal.

Nisha?

Here!

Oh, I think it's started! It came on so fast.

Is the baby moving? Yeah.

I started getting cramps yesterday but they weren't very regular, then suddenly this.

Where's Mark?

Oh, he's coming but he's miles away, so I phoned you.

Quite right. They're not cramps. They're contractions.

You're in labour. Oh, I need to get to the hospital.

I'll phone them. They'll send an ambulance.

I don't know if that baby will wait that long. Oh, God!

Mrs Bowen? My name's Dr Morgan.

I'm going to be checking your tubes this morning.

Make sure everything's clear down there.

Feet in the stirrups, please.

We use a little blast of carbon dioxide

and then listen to see if it's getting into all the nooks and crannies.

Quite simple.

They're very close together.

I know. I shan't be a minute.

Where are you going? To wash my hands and get some towels.

Don't worry. I've done this a thousand times.

I don't think the ambulance is gonna make it. I shan't be a tick.

It'll be fine, I promise you.

Oh, yes.

Loud and clear. Both sides. Very good.

That ought to have got rid of any cobwebs.

Would you come with me, Mr Bowen?

Take your time, and when you're finished come and find me.

I don't understand. Do I really have to spell it out?

No, I mean, I thought it was my wife who was being tested.

She is, trust me. This is the least you can do.

Have you noticed any change in Amy since my last visit?

What kind of change? Has she seemed different?

She seems a bit subdued.

Quieter than usual.

Yeah. Yeah, I thought that.

She's shy with strangers. But if Helen's noticed it too -

It's true. She has been very quiet.

Maybe cos she knows everybody's watching her.

It's best if you try and behave normally with her.

We do. We are.

Normal, I mean.

Completely.

Has she talked any more about Alice?

Not to me.

Should we be asking her about it?

Unless Amy raises it herself I'd leave it to the psychotherapist if I were you.

And how's Scott? Scott?

He's fine. Is he in?

It'd be good to have a chat with him. No, he went out earlier. Sorry.

Out where? I don't know.

He never tells me anything, does he?

These situations can be quite difficult for siblings.

He's with his mates.

He's not run off or anything.

He's fine. He's just being a teenager.

A normal teenager.

You don't have kids, do you, Marilyn?

No, I don't.

But we're not here to talk about me, are we?

That's it, Nisha. Pant. Don't push.

Wait. No, wait. That's a good girl.

What the...? Just in time.

Oh, God. If you're going to faint, do it on the floor.

Where's the midwife? The ambulance?

On their way. Never mind them, where have you been?

Doing 90 down the A59! You were supposed to be here!

I am here! I'm here now! Look!

Now, Nisha, one more. Another one.

That's it, sweetheart.

Go on! You're nearly there.

Come on, Nisha! You can do it!

You've got a little girl.

Well, we couldn't find anything wrong with you, Mrs Bowen.

No reason why you couldn't conceive another child.

But there is...this.

What is it? The analysis of your sample.

What does it mean?

It means...

It's unlikely that you'll be a father again.

No, I...I don't understand. We had Alice. So how...?

As I say, not impossible, but unlikely.

You beat the odds once.

It may not happen again.

I'm sorry. It's not the end of the world.

No. It'll be all right.

I promise.

Come on. You're hungry.

Just take it. Make us both happy.

Is there anything I can do? Not unless you're lactating.

Sit down.

Oh, there we are.

That's it. That's better.

So we did it, then.

Yes. We did.

Can we send her back if we change our mind?

What did they say?

Is everything all right? Evelyn, please.

Paul?

What do you think's worse? Drowning or dying of hypothermia?

Scott. What's hypothermia?

It's when you get really, really cold.

And then you die? Not always.

Usually. Especially in water.

But drowning must be worse.

You must know you're gonna - Scott!

What?

Enough. God! I'm just discussing the news.

Can't open my mouth any more. Where are you going?

Like it matters!

Amy? You all right?

Is it true? Is drowning really bad?

Now, don't listen to Scott. You know what he's like.

You thinking about your kitten?

No.

So why are you getting upset, baby?

I think Alice drowned.

Why do you think that?

She's always...wet.

And cold.

You mean, you see her?

Sometimes.

Sometimes, I just know she's there.

Where?

Here.

In the house. In my bedroom.

Or the bathroom.

I think she likes the warm water.

What do you think she wants?

I think...I think she's just lonely.

Is...

Is she here now?

Amy. Time for tea.

What's up with you?

Nothing.

I brought something for the baby.

Oh, you didn't need to do that.

May I? Of course.

Ooh, you're gaining weight, aren't you?

You are! (CHUCKLES)

Oh, Ruth. It's lovely. Thank you.

It's been in the family for years.

I've no-one to pass it on to, so...

I thought...

It's us who should be getting you a present.

If you hadn't come over I don't know what I'd have done.

You'd have been fine.

I'm glad I could help a little. You were a huge help.

Wasn't she, Mark?

Mark?

Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah. Absolutely.

So, Neesh and I were wondering if you'd stay on for a bit, helping with the baby.

Just a few days a week, same as before.

I'd love that. Thank you.

Good. That's settled then.

Is the heating on? We need to keep the place warm.

So, do we have a name yet?

We were thinking Alice.

Should I switch it back off? No. Let's just see if it settles down.

It's all right. Don't fret.

Nothing to worry about. Nothing to be afraid of.

There. That's better.

There we are.

How long do you think this is gonna go on for with Amy?

Till she gets better. Better than what, though?

She used to be really happy. Look at her now.

What's got into you?