Behind Closed Doors Doctors

MAN SCREAMS

MAN SCREAMS

MUSIC ON HEADPHONES: "Going Underground" by The Jam

# Some people might say my life is in a rut... #

CLATTERING AND ANIMAL NOISE

CLATTERING AND ANIMAL NOISE

I thought when I retired I'd have lazy mornings.

But I can't change the habit.

You seemed pretty sure you'd heard something over at Barbara's.

It must've been an animal or something. If anything at all.

What did it sound like?

Oh, hard to remember now.

I get up early,

but I still need caffeine before anything makes sense.

Hadn't had any at that point.

A fox?

Probably. Besides, you didn't hear anything did you?

You could have sworn at me today and I wouldn't have heard anything.

When I see you at the surgery, I'll know there's another side

to the man in the suit.

Tracksuit bottoms no less.

I can do casual.

It can't have been anything serious.

Barbara did have a problem with cats using her lawn for a toilet.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen Barbara for a while.

Haven't you?

I haven't really seen her much lately either.

That's not like you two.

I think it's just.... she's had other things going on.

I heard about the divorce.

I never thought I'd see Barbara there alone.

I was convinced he'd come back.

I suppose no-one really knows what happens

in another couple's marriage.

Hm. Yeah.

Are you sure coffee's such a good idea?

Patients don't need you raising their blood pressure.

-What?

-Not to mention they need you to listen.

What are you on about?

Kevin, you're like a jack-in-the-box. Relax!

Yeah, right, relax?

Can you just do lunch? You've decided to go, so go.

No, I don't think I can.

We don't even like each other.

You gave his dad your stem cells. He owes you lunch. So go.

I know, but it's at his house.

Can you imagine what that's going to be like?

They'll probably make you do party tricks, karaoke.

It'll be crammed full of extended family all looking at you

and judging you. Something low-key like that.

You've been invited. Surely that shows he's trying?

Imagine how Nadia will feel if you don't go.

You don't want to affect your relationship with her do you?

No.

Besides, food's supposed to bring people together, isn't it?

Howard!

Barbara. I'm not disturbing you, am I?

Oh, no, that's fine. I haven't seen you properly since the Olympics!

-Is it the bins again?

-No, no.

I saw Lily this morning...

Lily? She's OK, isn't she?

I was out running, and she looked distracted.

Really?

She said she heard something.

What?

Like an animal. It was disturbing her.

Well, she...

What?

You're not aware of her situation?

Situation?

I don't really like to...

Lily has dementia.

Recently diagnosed.

Cruel timing, her retirement year. Her mother had it too.

Hearing things and...

Oh, you weren't to know, it's not your fault.

Lily is such a proud lady.

But I thought if she was hearing things or...

Sorry, I'm just expecting a call from Jason.

He's in Canada, isn't he?

Yes, that was a while ago now.

Since then...well, I can hardly keep up with them now,

-they're so busy!

-Not surprised - best military band in the world.

Did I tell you he played and performed in front of royalty,

and at the FA Cup?

You must be very proud.

Right, better get off to work.

"While you're looking after the animals...

"When feeding them..."

Lily?

Lily!

Sorry. I was miles away.

Are you all right?

Yes, thanks.

Are you?

I can't complain. I saw Howard this morning.

-Oh.

-Yes.

He must be doing the rounds, checking on the older ladies!

He mentioned he'd seen you.

-Did he?

-I think he's a bit worried about you.

Really?

I don't want to sound...but you've not heard things or...

No! Why?

What did Howard say exactly?

Oh, no, nothing. He just thought you seemed distracted.

So was he.

I'm fine.

Honestly.

Well, that's good.

In fact, some of us are going

to see the Drama Society's new production on Saturday.

Private Lives, if you fancy it. We've always gone.

I'll have a think.

Anyway, I must let you get on.

PHONE BEEPS

'Hi Kevin, it's Nadia.

'Look, I'm really sorry, but I can't make it today.

'I'm actually at the dentist's. I can't talk too long, cos it hurts.

'Think it's my wisdom tooth. I'm not looking forward to this.

'But we'll talk later, OK?'

KNOCK UPSTAIRS

SHE HUMS

BANGING

Lovely.

It's just fruit juice.

Whatever's cooking smells great.

It's chicken. Don't worry, it's not too spicy.

Is it halal meat, then?

Course.

Come on through. I'll get us some drinks.

Great.

Lily!

I'm going back to the Mill - why don't I give you a lift?

-It's on the way.

-I'm fine, thank you.

-It's no trouble.

-I'm OK.

-Are you all right?

Why are people always asking me that?

Barbara suddenly wanted to see if I was OK after I don't know how long.

Have you been visiting all the neighbours?

Sorry?

Barbara hasn't spoken to me for months.

One visit from you and she's checking on me.

I just mentioned that I'd seen you, that's all.

I know. That I was...distracted, was it?

Did she tell you?

About what?

My condition.

Will you be keeping an eye on me now?

What I need is to live my life as normal,

for as long as that's possible.

Dr Carter just said so.

I'm don't meant to be patronising.

Maybe not, but people react in different ways.

As if I'm already... gone in some way.

Apparently, the assessments show

there hasn't been any further degeneration.

Well, that's good, isn't it?

But I'm always aware it will get worse.

Only I might not realise it.

That others will see it before I do.

Like Barbara?

She was a friend. She knew I wanted it kept private.

Why is she telling everyone?

Well, sometimes people just don't understand...

The condition?

I know. That's what she sees now.

Not me.

I'm sorry if you thought I was interfering.

I was just wondering if Barbara had heard something too.

Please, can I give you a lift?

It is rather cold.

Here, chicky-chickies!

Here, chicky-chickies!

Here, chicky... Ah!

Oh!

Oi!

Oi, get off!

Get off! Ah! Ah!

SHE WHIMPERS

Oh, no!

Oh...!

Come here, chicken! Come on!

Come on! Come on, love!

Come on!

Oh, chicken! Come on, chicken.

Come on, chicken!

KNOCKING

Just give me a minute!

Cheers.

So, how's your father doing?

He's fine.

Good.

Do you entertain a lot, then? Have people over?

We try. We all like to eat in our family.

Growing up, food was always at the centre of things.

And you?

Special occasions, mostly. Like Christmas.

Having to carve the turkey because I'm the man of the house.

Guess it was a little bit different for you, eh?

-Easier?

-I didn't say that.

Not in so many words.

All I've heard about lately is you.

Your work as a doctor.

Yet you know nothing about me.

What do you mean?

Everyone knows about my father's son...the doctor.

Talking about my job doesn't mean that he knows me.

Right.

Thanks again for the lift.

Dr Carter wouldn't lie about those tests.

I know, but...

Scared to believe good news?

Something like that.

Why did you think things had got worse?

Because it seems inevitable.

It's not that I want it to happen.

Protecting yourself from disappointment?

Sounds awful, doesn't it?

Then don't do it. Trust your judgement.

-Do what you normally do.

-Never doubted it.

When I was teaching, they had to know I was in charge.

There you go, then.

I...think I did hear something this morning.

Screaming.

From the house? Barbara?

I can't think who else it can be.

I know she found it hard sleeping when her husband left.

Didn't like being there alone.

No visitors?

I haven't seen anyone. Have you?

Anyway, I mustn't keep you.

Remember what I told you - stop doubting yourself.

This is Saira. My daughter.

Hi, Saira.

That's Kevin.

Who's he?

Kevin...helped Grandad.

Remember when he was poorly?

He helped him get better.

Can we play?

After lunch?

-Promise?

-Promise.

What's for Lunch?

Roast chicken.

Sorry, that's kind of my fault.

Since when were you fussy about food?

I just wanted to say sorry about this morning.

If it seemed like I was interfering.

I never thought that.

It's nice to know there's someone like you around,

keeping an eye on things!

-Lily's such a lovely lady...

-It's all right.

You know now...

..if she says she's hearing things,

she can't help it. Would you like some tea or...?

Why not? I've got a bit of time for once!

KNOCKING

Oh, everything all right?

-Need any help?

-I'm quite capable of a pot of tea, I can assure you!

Do you mind if I use the bathroom?

Of course. It's just back through the hall.

Have you found it all right?

Yes, thank you!

-What the...?

-Mum!

Oh, come on!

Fine.

Cold water it is, then.

'Hello, you're through to the Fitzwilliams.

'Do leave a message after the tone.'

Hello!

Hello. It's Mandy.

Again.

I hope you're all OK.

Just wondering if you could give me a call back when you get the chance?

I just had a few questions about the house.

And the animals.

Which are all fine!

All well.

What on earth is going on here, Barbara?

He's safe here!

I'm looking after him! I'm mending him!

Why haven't you taken these?

What are you giving him?

Just to help him sleep, that's all.

You know they help you, sweetheart.

-Just tell me everything...

-So you can call him a coward too?

-I would never...

-Yes, you would!

He was training in Canada.

Sent him over there then, didn't they?

We we're all losing our sons.

Afghanistan?

Stretcher carrier...

and he's a musician.

Wasn't his fault if he couldn't - who could?

We can't all be like you.

He came back on leave.

Only it wasn't my Jason who came back.

-If he's on leave, we can get him some help...

-I'm helping him!

Oh, Jason...

I must go back.

If I don't, it'll be worse.

Jason? Why would it be worse?

So they can punish him, after all they've done!

They'll lock him up if they find him here.

He's Absent Without Leave.

I'm looking after him!

You forget where I work. I can get the right people...

He's all I've got!

If they find him, they'll take him again.

This is why people shouldn't interfere!

Did you like the chicken?

It's OK. Can we play cards now?

Dad showed me how to play. Did your dad?

No.

Why?

Well, because my mum did.

And how to ride a bike.

Why didn't your dad?

Now, come on, how many cards do we need?

You deal them all.

You'll have to tell me how to play.

It's Happy Families.

I got a bike for my birthday.

Come on. I thought you were dealing.

Did your dad show you how to play other games?

Don't forget where you're up to, Saira.

I won't! Did he?

My mum did.

Does your dad not know how to play any?

Hey! Let's play the game.

Did Grandpa show you?

Did he show you how to ride a bike?

I'd keep falling off. I had holes in my trousers.

-How long has he been here? LILY:

-Hello?

Jason?

Lily. What are you...?

Go away!

Are you angry with me, Mum?

Why is everyone angry with me?

They'll be angry with me, won't they?

This is why people shouldn't interfere. They get the wrong idea.

They'll be so angry. Tell me off.

It's OK, Jason.

Don't want me. Said I'm useless.

Better men than me...gone.

See?

He was a man when he left here.

Look at him now.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I'm no good.

You'll let them take him, would you? Like this?

I want to get him help, not send him back.

You all stick together.

Can't you see you're both trapped?

How long can you be like this? You can't want this forever.

Barbara?

-Thanks.

-I'm glad we did this.

I wasn't sure if you would when Nadia said she couldn't make it.

Oh...not when you've gone to the trouble of making lunch.

I should be thanking the cook, really.

It was a pleasure.

And you are very good at cards.

-You're not!

-Hey, don't be cheeky!

Why did you let me think...?

I was protecting him.

I thought I was getting worse.

I trusted you.

A friend wouldn't do that.

Unless...they were really in trouble.

He needed me.

No-one has needed me for a long time.

I needed a friend.

I could have been one as well.

I'm sorry.

I thought I was....that it was in my head.

Like this morning.

I hope you'll have a little more confidence from now on.

-You had heard something.

-I'm going to try.

You know...

I came over expecting an awkward cup of tea at most.

I don't think she was even aware of what she was doing any more.

She'd lost all perspective.

Are you OK, Howard?

Yeah, fine.

Just fine.

Hello, love!

Hi, Mum.

Well, don't just stand there like a lemon - come on in!

SQUEALING

Ooh! Oh...

So, what do you think? Will you be seeing them all again?

I don't know. We're so different.

You'll have to be less fussy with your food.

Sorry, Nigella(!)

And Mo?

I don't want to know.

You like Nadia, though, don't you?

Yeah. Be nice to see more of her.

I don't know...

so much to take in. I'm still trying to make sense of it.

As if I'm standing outside myself.

Like today at Zarif's.

I don't know. It's hard to explain.

It will feel strange, though, won't it?

What I'm trying to say is...

I've been thinking a lot about myself.

That's not like you.

About who I am, I mean.

Got me thinking too.

And that's not something I like to do too often.

Kevin...

I should have told you about the money.

-It's OK.

-No.

You needed to know. I'm sorry.

Do you know what I realised today?

All my memories are because of you.

The birthdays, the parks.

Riding my bike.

All that I've done is because of you.

Whatever else has happened,

this is where I'm from.

We've had some fun times together, haven't we? Holidays.

You used to be so scared of the water,

you'd jump over the waves in case they caught you.

-We should go somewhere.

-Yeah, I'd like that.

Llandudno? Where we went when I was little.

You have a look at hotels,

the best you can find, and I'll pick you up after work.

It'll be freezing!

Which is why we need the poshest hotel! Log fires!

What do you think?

Yeah, you're on.

SQUEAKING

SHE SCREAMS

Do everyone a favour. Get lost.

Right, you got any idea about what might have brought this on?

Yeah. You.

You don't recognise me, do you?

Give him the book back now!

Now get out!

Chris?

I'm here, mate.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd