Bliss Doctors

Wow, you're really spoiling me.

I mean, yesterday, Eggs Benedict, today...?

Huevos Rancheros.

What can I say? I am a connoisseur of classic breakfasts.

Hot sauce.

When I was abroad I used to do catering work.

It was amazing, getting to try all these things

that you really have to seek out here.

Sauces, spices...

Sorry, I always loved cooking, maybe a bit too much.

It's not like a job to me, it's a passion.

So, what are your plans? Now you haven't got me to look after.

Oh, I dunno. It's...daft.

What? Go on.

I've got an idea for a thing, a combined cookbook,

travel diary and website.

Breakfasts from all over the world.

I've got pads full of ideas

and a couple of memory cards full of videos.

It was Freya's idea.

Freya's?

Yeah, she mentioned it a few years ago.

I sometimes think that girl...

..she seemed to know me better than I knew myself.

She didn't know herself

but she was always very perceptive about other people.

But I'm biased, so...

I think she thought of me as the adventurous one

and she was the homebird.

The studious sister who qualified as a doctor.

Anyway, you sure you're ready to go back to work?

You've only been off a couple of days.

I can't sit around here all day.

Even though it's been very nice having the company.

DOOR OPENS FOOTSTEPS

CREAKING DOOR CLOSES

Karen?

Dad?

I thought you'd be working.

Immie!

This one's for the front door, and this one's for the back door.

I know it's a bit weird leaving someone alone in your house

when you barely know them.

You're family. Kind of.

You will be well fed tonight! That's a promise.

If you haven't gone up a dress size by the time I leave here,

I have failed!

Don't say that! But I am looking forward to it.

See you later.

Come here!

You did what!

She was fine.

Don't you think you should have asked me

before you spent the day with your mother?

No. Or I would have.

Anyway, how is she?

She's feeling really good about herself.

Good. How's college?

Dad, what are you doing?

-Putting the bread away.

-No!

I tell you I spent the day with mum, and you ask me how college is?!

You don't know how hard it is to talk about her.

And, anyway, I just think that

she wasn't ready to spend the day with you.

I thought you might say that.

You could have set back her recovery by months. Years, maybe.

Dad, her recovery's going really well. Too well.

You're giving her too much space.

That's just making it easy for her to stay in denial.

And yes, I have been reading up on it!

You're letting her get used to a life without you!

-Oh, thanks(!)

-Sorry.

Do you want to hear what she had to say or don't you?

-You're back!

-Yes.

-All good?

-Yeah...really good.

Karen!

Looking forward to getting back in the hot seat?

We're all looking forward to you getting back in your rightful place.

Aren't we?

-Yeah.

-Mm-hmm.

Emma and Kevin are at the campus today,

apart from that we've got a full complement.

Sorry, two minutes.

MOBILE RINGS

Hi, Lois. Something wrong?

No, no. I'm just in the kitchen.

Have you got any herbs or spices? I don't seem to be able to find any?

No, sorry.

Oh, wait. I do have some curry powder.

Curry powder? Yeah, uh...got that.

It's fine, I'll see what I can rustle up.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Have you got a slow cooker?

Actually...I have. It was a present. It's in the utility cupboard.

It's probably still in the box. I'll give you a call back.

-Well?

-Well what?

So, what's really good?

Come on, spill! I've got to get to the campus.

Erm, it's nothing.

-Nothing?

-Yes! Nothing! Look, whatever.

It's been a funny couple of days. I'm not feeling 100%.

So don't take anything I say with any... You know.

-You didn't know?

-Yes. No! I-I-I...don't know.

I knew she was retraining.

I just didn't know she was going back so soon.

-I've been playing it softly-softly.

-Dad! No!

What does it tell you,

that she didn't tell you she was going back to work today?

It's a big deal for her and she didn't tell you!

You've been playing it softly-softly

and all its done is made you a total irrelevance to her.

-Hey!

-It's true!

You've got to get a big stick and get a bit more caveman.

Or you'll get left behind.

Sorry, got held up.

You have a patient waiting.

Good morning, Doctor!

Good morning. This way.

Thank you.

PHONE RINGS

Good morning, Mill Health Centre.

I'll just have a look at Doctor Clay's schedule.

MOUTHS SILENTLY

So it's a Friday appointment you want?

You do know that you live closer to The Mill than here?

Oh, yes.

Better bus route or something?

No, no, I walked. Don't worry.

I can take care of myself, I like to get out and about.

I used to be an actor and I did a few musicals.

-I've always been fit.

-Good for you.

Yes! Mind you, not so easy now I'm on my own. But I persevere.

How long ago did your wife pass?

Uh, two years.

I come here because it's invigorating,

being surrounded by a lot of young people.

Invigorating counts for a lot at my age.

And, frankly, who wants to go to The Mill

and be surrounded by a lot of sick, old people?

And being surrounded by middle aged people is just as bad!

Is there something wrong with my prescription?

Bear with me for a minute.

She's made it very clear. I make her feel sick.

Do you know how that feels?

She looks at me as if I'm some kind of dirty cradle snatcher!

This is my wife we're talking about! We made you!

She's looking at me as if I'm some kind of pervert!

Dad, you have got to stop thinking like this.

There...was another guy.

I know.

Then why didn't you do something?

Because I had to let her get it out of her system!

Dad, she is not getting it out of her system!

She's settling into Emma's house, she's gone back to her old job,

she is moving on with her life, and you are letting her!

-I...

-All of the grief you went through,

when she had that termination, you fought for her then.

Did you really go through all of that

just to stop fighting for her now?

Because if you do, you are going to lose her.

-I have to think about the consequences.

-Stop thinking!

My dad - and I mean this from when I was a tiny little kid

to when I got stuck with that needle,

to when you and mum broke up last time -

you didn't think, you just got on with things.

I see more of my mum in her now

than I see of my dad when you start behaving like this.

So...don't think, do!

Give me my dad back!

I'm going to Frannie's. I'll be back tonight.

-Get in her face!

-Yeah.

'And I gave him a repeat prescription.'

Are you 100% sure of that, Zara?

'Yes, I am sure! Now, can I return to my own patient?!

Yeah. Yeah, I hear you. Sorry.

Mr Cave, according to our records -

and I just double-checked with Doctor Carmichael -

you were here on Friday to see her.

And she gave you a repeat prescription.

You should be covered for the next few months.

That can't be right. I wasn't here on Friday.

I ran out of my cream this morning.

She remembered you very clearly.

She rather liked you, which is amazing,

because she never likes anyone.

-She remembered your walking stick.

-It's not mine, its my wife's.

I just like to have something of her with me.

Sorry, there must be some mistake.

Why don't you double-check that it's not at home.

I mean, at your age, it's easy to forget...

I don't forget. My mind's as sharp as a...a...razor.

But very well, I'll go home and I'll check.

-Then I'll call you later.

-Please do.

Please, no more house calls!

How are you, Mandy, all right?

-Good.

-Coolio.

I'm feeling better than I have been for a while, actually.

Everything feels more vivid. I've started to taste food again.

For ages, it's been fuel... Anyway, how are you doing?

Yeah, I'm all right.

I was a little bit worried about you last week

after that whole seeing Freya thing.

Yeah. That was just the grief playing tricks on the mind.

Yeah. It happens. Anyway, glad you're feeling better.

You are feeling better, aren't you?

Yeah, course! So, what have I missed?

His mother suffered from Alzheimers,

and I know that increases the chances,

-but it doesn't make it inevitable, right?

-True.

But he is showing what could be the early signs of it.

Have you had him tested?

No. This is just based on him forgetting a couple of things.

-People forget things, it doesn't mean they have dementia.

-I know.

But if I tell him my suspicions, at his age,

the word "Alzheimers" goes off like a bomb.

People hear impending doom. It's going to be upsetting.

-Does he live on his own?

-Sounds like it.

Even if I did a mini mental state exam,

there's not that much we can do about it, medically,

apart from slow down the progression a little.

True, but we can offer support.

Why, are you thinking of not doing the exam?

If I'm wrong, and I've not got much to base it on,

so there is a good chance I am,

then an old man gets to enjoy his life

without this...hanging over him.

But if I'm right...

..it's going to devastate him.

If you're right,

he gets an opportunity to put his affairs in order

while he's still lucid enough to do so.

-Hi, Michael. You left this behind.

-Who are you?

-Oh, I'm...

-Sorry, Doctor. Only joking!

I saw you coming up the drive. I'm an actor, remember.

Oh, I'm being rude. Please come in.

Thank you for bringing this back, Doctor.

It was my wife's. I mean, I don't need it.

Fiddles are jealous of how fit I am.

Oh, and by the way, I looked for that cream.

I couldn't find it anywhere. You were wrong!

Your prescription hasn't been presented at the pharmacist.

Have you checked your jacket or your wallet?

Well...there you are then! You were right.

I think we need to talk.

Yes. Oh, my manners! Would you like a cup of tea, Doctor?

Please.

Afternoon, Rob. Good luck!

Very smart.

I know what you're thinking, Doctor.

That I don't know what I'm thinking.

But old people - and much as I hate to admit it, that's what I am -

-well, we forget things, don't we?

-Yes.

It doesn't mean to say that we're going doolally.

There are some tests I can do right here and now to rule that out.

No, I feel fine!

But what if I don't want to know anyway, Doctor.

I mean, it's not something you can cure, is it?

No...but we can help. There are brain exercises and...

I do that anyway.

I read, I do crosswords, I get out and meet people.

Doesn't mean to say I'm going doolally!

Where's that tea? Lynn!

There are times when I forget,

only for a moment, only for a second when I'm at home.

I mean, this is all our stuff. It's easy to happen.

I mean, we were together for 40 years.

It just takes time getting used to her not being here.

-I know.

-But that's not the bad part.

The bad part is the moment I realise...she's gone.

I'll get that tea.

I have a nice little life, Doctor.

I get out, meet people.

I have friends. I'm happy, actually.

And do you want to diagnose...?

I've not diagnosed anything. But I think it's worth investigating.

Knowledge is power.

Not with what you're taking about. Knowledge is fear.

It helps you,

it lets you organise things for your kids and your family.

It gives you peace of mind.

I don't have kids and I don't have family.

This...would just cast a shadow over my life.

And I know I'm not going doolally.

Then let me do some tests to rule it out.

There's one I can do here right here, right now.

Look, I'd like you to go now, please, Doctor.

I want a date. With you. Tomorrow night.

-Can we...talk about this at another time?

-No.

You're embarrassing yourself and you're embarrassing me!

Right. That's good then, isn't it?

It's good that you're embarrassing me?!

No, but what it means is that you still think

that what I do reflects on you.

I know that you really like me. Because I'm your type.

You're still the same person, aren't you?

You're only a couple of years older than you are now

and you couldn't keep your hands off me.

You were a few decades younger.

We have a life together, we have a family.

We are not just going to throw that all away

without trying absolutely everything.

So, I will not take no for an answer.

No.

No?

No!

No! We've been together bloody years.

Yes, we've had our ups and downs

but until the moment this happened we were happy.

So we are gonna go out tomorrow night

and you are gonna have a good time.

I deserve that. You deserve that.

WE deserve that.

Immie? She said yes.

IMMIE SCREAMS EXCITEDLY

Wait a minute!

Yeah. Yeah.

She'll do dinner.

Don't worry, I know what she likes.

Your appointment is booked for 4:30, Tuesday.

Is that us for the day?

Doctor Reid is with a patient.

Once she has finished, we can lock up.

I've got one phone call to make.

PHONE RINGS

Hello.

Hi, Michael, it's Doctor Tyler.

Oh, hello, Doctor.

I know we had a chat about it this afternoon but I'd really like...

What chat?

Very funny, but you've already pulled that one on me

when I came round this morning, remember?

I don't know what you mean, I was out this morning seeing you.

Then I came back here and watched telly all afternoon.

What were you watching?

An old Carry On film.

My late wife was in it. Lots of memories.

What year is this, Michael?

2014.

Look, Doctor, I know, seeing things like that, well,

you can get lost in the past,

but it's not that I'm not aware of what's going on.

Have you washed the dishes today?

-Yes?

-How many mugs did you wash?

One moment.

You were right, Doctor.

I do remember you being here this morning.

It's just...if you'd have called in an hour's time I'd have been fine.

This has never happened before.

It's just that film.

So many friends, and my late wife was in it.

Oh, she was so beautiful then.

You brought her walking stick back.

That's right.

You just caught me on the hop. That's all.

-Doctor?

-You agreed to come in for some tests.

I don't remember agreeing.

We talked about it in a lot of depth actually.

They're just precautionary. You said it would be a good thing.

I don't think it is necessary.

It's what we agreed.

I got you an appointment at the Mill, tomorrow.

When?

Four o'clock.

I'll do a memory test and I'll take some blood. Is that OK?

Well, I suppose a doctor's not going to lie.

Good. I'll see you at four o'clock tomorrow.

-Hi!

-Kitchen!

That smells wonderful!

Yeah. And that is hot.

What is it?

Grilled vegetable tostadas with mole sauce.

Delicious. Is that chocolate?

-Mm-hmm.

-Freya would have loved that.

She did.

How was your day?

You know. Same old, same old.

Couldn't wait to get through the day really.

It is nice to have someone to come home to.

It's nice to be that someone.

Kevin was out most of the day, actually. Chris was fine.

Zara did my head in. So that's business as usual.

And, oh, our receptionist...

Anyway, you don't know any of these people.

No, Karen, that's the receptionist, right?

How do you know?

And um, Kevin, Kevin is gadget boy.

Freya always used to bang on about him.

How do you know all this stuff?

From her emails and her blogs.

And there was, uh...Astro Boy and Princess Bubblegum.

Got those names off Zara.

I've heard a lot about her too!

I'm sorry.

No, no. I mean, you and Freya, you're quite a bit different,

but you sound just like her.

So hearing your voice, firing off the same nicknames that she used

for our friends, it's just...

Did... In her emails, did she ever say anything about me?

Just how lovely you were.

And I could tell from the way she described meeting you,

that she thought you were dead brash and a little bit scary!

But then she told me she loved you, and that was all old news.

She told you that she loved me?

This must be really freaking you out.

I will go to a hotel after dinner.

No, no. I won't have it. She'd never forgive me.

It's just...it's going to take a while for me to get my head round it.

That's all. Besides, you're not that alike.

For one...you've been tidying.

-Is that all right?

-Yeah, yeah, but...come on!

I mean, when have you even known Freya to clean anything

without a gun to her head?

I think I spent half my childhood cleaning up after her.

Shall we just eat?

Yeah.

I don't want anybody talking.

You know, at work, if it all turns out awful...

It won't!

-You're cool. Mum's cool.

-Cool.

Be nice to have Jimmi all to myself...again!

Jimmi Clay?

-Ha-ha-ha!

-What?!

-What?

-Karen, would you like a cup of tea?

You all know, don't you?

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