Flickering Light Doctors

SOUND OF HEARTBEAT

I thought you were supposed to be at college.

Study morning.

So why isn't your head stuck in a book?

Nappies. Mrs Hollins messaged. Told me to bring them round, soon as.

We've got nappies coming out of our ears.

Then why the text?

Mrs Hollins would call it acting as a go-between,

but I would call it interfering, only not to her face.

-Whatever.

-Austin.

-I'll swap you.

-What's that?

That's a screwdriver.

This one. This one's my favourite!

You know they won't all fit on the tree?

They will if...

No way!

Oh, it'll be so pretty!

Yeah, until it drops needles everywhere.

But I'll pick up every single one. Please, Mum!

OK. You can have a real tree. But five foot, maximum.

Oh, thanks, Mum. This is going to be the best Christmas ever!

DOORBELL RINGS

-I'll get it.

-He's early.

I'd better warm that teapot.

Look who's here.

Oh, I'm so glad you could come. How's Ruhma?

She's very good. She sends her love.

Look what I found on the doorstep!

I have no idea who it belongs to. Sorry it's late.

Happy birthday.

And I'm sorry we had to cancel last time.

She, um, had a temperature.

We couldn't risk exposing her to any bugs.

Oh, it's brilliant! Thanks, Heston.

And I expect you to name every part next time I see you.

What, like the left ventricle, the mitral valve?

Bravo.

-Molly, love, why don't you go and fetch your new phone? You show Heston.

-OK.

Don't rush, love.

She's downloaded so many medical apps.

She'll have access to more information than I had when I was training.

So, what do you think?

Love, he's only just got here!

Heston, please. Has she got worse?

HE CHUCKLES

Where's Joe?

Oh, he was having such a good time, it seemed a shame to spoil it.

His breast stroke's really coming on, isn't it?

You left him there?

Yeah, his mate from down the corridor's with him, and PC Plod's watching him like a hawk.

One of us should be there.

Look, he needs time out to be a normal kid, to have some fun.

He can have fun with his parents.

Stuck in a hotel room under police protection?

You know this isn't what I want.

-Well, then, why don't you...?

-Why don't I what? Walk away?

No-one would think any less of you.

Look, I see how you try to make things normal for him,

but he knows this isn't a holiday.

And I see the way that he looks at you sometimes.

It's like he's...

It's like he's trying to take away the thing that's hurting his mummy.

-Where are you going?

-To check on our son.

But did you notice her ankles, the swelling?

Well, to be honest,

I was more interested in wishing her a happy birthday.

She's exhausted all the time.

Her breathing... I mean, just climbing the stairs is a real effort.

Judith, we invited Heston, not Dr Carter.

And if the swelling's fluid retention...

Well, it could be a sign. When's her next check-up?

Not for another week.

Well, you could ask the hospital to bring the appointment forward.

They know how acute her condition is.

Is this it?

Don't say that!

No, there's no need to panic.

-I found this American forum...

-Yeah, you sent me the link.

And it's expensive, but we'd manage somehow.

I wouldn't bother.

The research is at an early stage. And, realistically,

the only thing that's going to help Molly is a transplant.

It's been two years. I mean, how much longer can she wait?

Medium screw.

-ROB SIGHS

-No, that's a large one.

You know, it would be quicker if we did this together.

I'm passing you the bits, aren't I?

When are they going to get discharged?

I don't know. Lily'll phone.

Yeah. She's doing very well.

She's a natural mum.

Yeah. I knew she would.

Yeah. Parenthood brings out the best in some people.

Oh, but not me?

I didn't say that.

Typical copper. One look and you think you know me.

PHONE RINGS

Ah, the light of my life! Hi, love.

How are you?

How's it going? Do you really mean, is Austin here?

No, he's not. Yes, of course he is!

Don't know how I'd manage without him.

All right, love. Speak to you later. OK, bye.

This is all wrong.

-Oh, yeah, and how many cots have you put up?

-None, but I've got eyes,

and I ain't having my daughter sleeping in a death trap.

Well, if you think you can do better.

You're not really here to look at my phone, are you?

Well...

They sent you here to find out if my heart's failing.

How are things?

I've been more tired. Blood pressure's up.

Ankles are swollen.

And that could mean...?

Terminal failure.

PHONE RINGS

Have you discussed this with your parents?

-JUDITH:

-Hello?

They don't need any more stress.

Look, when my dad said about inviting you, I hoped we could talk.

Do you want me to help break the bad news?

Not exactly.

-DOOR OPENS

-Molly.

That was the transplant centre. A heart's become available.

It's the right blood group. Matching tissue type.

The transplant team has been scrambled.

Oh, finally!

Well, that's what I call a birthday present!

Well?

Well, he was having such a great time, I said he could have another half an hour.

So we're fine?

Fine?

This time next week, I am going to be standing in the witness box, giving evidence.

You said you weren't worried about that.

I said I'd given evidence before, not in a murder trial!

All right! Anything I can do to help?

You can be in my corner.

We're living in a hotel, Zara.

You know, you cannot pretend that that is good for our family.

I am doing this, with or without you.

Yeah, course you are, cos all you care about's winning.

OK, pyjamas, toiletries, medication. OK, we're all set.

I'd better be going. Good luck.

Only a few more hours.

I've looked everywhere. She's not here.

-She must be.

-We've got to go.

Molly? Come on, sweetie!

Moll!

What's she doing? We've rehearsed this.

She knows every minute is vital.

Does she have friends nearby?

Sophie. Lives in the next street. I'll drive round.

No, no. It'll be quicker to phone.

Carol, it's Judith. Is Molly there?

It'll be nerves.

It's easy to forget she's only 14.

OK, thank you, Carol. No, no, no problem. Bye.

Should we call the transplant centre, tell them what's happening?

I don't understand.

Medium screw.

Medium!

Yes, I know.

HE CHUCKLES

You're doing a good job.

Mm. Hope Lily will like it.

Course she will.

But don't make the mistake of thinking that doing

-a bit of DIY is going to be enough.

-What do you mean?

Well, things have changed, haven't they? I mean, my dad wouldn't even touch the pram.

I mean, yes, you know, I pushed the buggy through the park,

but you, my friend, you are going to have to strap Darcy

to your chest and go to male bonding sessions with other young dads.

Well, I ain't wearing no papoose, not for no-one!

Yeah, we'll see. But you've got to get stuck in.

I've been on YouTube,

seen how to give her a feed and a bath.

Good. Yeah. Getting down and dirty, that's the answer.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Whatever you and Mrs Hollins get up to, that's up to you!

Changing nappies and doing the dishes, you numpty!

AUSTIN LAUGHS

That's how you keep Mum happy,

-and it makes your life a lot easier, believe me.

-Mm.

I know it's scary, but we've waited so long for this.

She's been so brave through all the other operations.

Well, a heart transplant is about as serious as it gets.

Heston's here. You can open the door now, sweetie.

Just Heston.

We're all here for you.

Right, what's next?

Er, slats.

Nearly done, eh?

HE GROANS

We've done good.

So, big day.

Suppose.

You've been dreaming about this for ages. Now here it is.

Poor old Fred. What hasn't happened to him? Broken radius, tuberculosis,

a near fatal loss of stuffing.

Yeah. We did well to bring him back from that one.

My first cottonwoolectomy.

I gave you that, hoping you'd use it on a real patient one day.

You've always been honest about my condition.

I knew you could handle it.

Because I've always known I've been on borrowed time,

-I've never wasted a single day.

-No.

So, Molly, what's happening?

How do you know... if you're a good dad?

Oh, the million-dollar question!

Er... Well, I suppose you don't know.

Not until you see how your kids turn out.

And yours turned out perfect, I suppose?

-Are you kidding? Shoplifting, steroid addiction.

-What?

The previous house was sort of turned into a...a knocking shop.

Your son was a Quadzilla shoplifting pimp?

Well, the shoplifting - that was down to Immie.

But, yeah, he had his wild moments.

But I suppose they both turned out all right in the end.

Mm. I'm going to do whatever it takes.

Whatever Darcy needs, she'll have.

You can dress her in all the designer clobber you want,

you can send her to the best schools in the world, but -

and I think you know what I'm going to say here -

the most important thing you can give her costs nothing at all.

HE SMIRKS

Well, that's good, cos I ain't got much else!

They're coming back.

Well, if anyone can reassure her, it'll be Heston.

How can you be so calm?

I'm not calm when our daughter's about to have her chest cut open.

So how's it going to help if we all lose it?

Come in. Catch a cold and they'll cancel everything.

Now, look. We know you're scared.

But we're going to be there, every step of the way.

-There's something I need to tell you.

-OK.

OK, well, we can talk about that in the car. Ian, bag.

Right. Let's go.

Molly, please! This is no time for playing games.

You need to hear her out.

OK. We're listening.

There are never enough hearts for transplant.

That's why you've been so lucky.

Not enough people register to donate. I know it's tragic, but...

That's why I want this heart to go to someone else.

What?

Someone with a better chance at a full life.

Sweetie, you can't mean it.

Heston, tell her. This is our last hope.

She knows that.

Mum, Dad, I'm sorry, but you have to let me go.

I could have sworn...

Yes! I knew...I knew it was somewhere.

Oh, look at that, the batteries work. What a bonus!

I can pay for my own kid.

Oh, don't you worry about that.

There are plenty of things that will empty your wallet.

They grow out of clothes in a blink of an eye.

And that's before mentioning the milk or the wet...

Why do they need so many wet wipes?

When I've finished my exams,

I'm thinking of getting an apprenticeship.

Well, you did very well with the cot. How about construction?

-Or carpentry?

-Electrician, maybe.

I know a lot of people. I can have a word, if you want.

-You'd do that?

-Course I would.

We don't want Darcy to run out of rusks, do we?

Thanks, Mr Hollins.

-Mr Hollins? Whoa, whoa, whoa!

-What?

We have just been through the time-honoured male bonding tradition

of putting up flat-pack furniture.

I think you can call me Rob now.

It seems stupid, planning for the future.

If the trial doesn't go right...

It will go right.

Once the jury have heard the star witness,

then you can concentrate on building a life for your family.

I've known Zara for a very long time.

-She won't let you down.

-PHONE RINGS

I've got to take this. What?

No. I can't.

Listen, you don't understand.

But...

Yeah, yeah, OK.

-Problem?

-No. It's just my...mum, being Mum.

I don't understand.

Girls my age should be hanging out at the Bullring,

not wired up to ECG machines.

We've tried to give you as normal a life as possible.

But even when I'm not in hospital,

I can't have friends round or go to the cinema.

Yeah, but to avoid compromising your immune system.

Maybe we have been a little overprotective. We can change.

But first, we need to get you to St Phil's.

You're not listening.

OK. Enough, Molly. Car, now!

I'm not going!

Love, you don't know what you're saying.

I know more about my condition than you do.

But you're only just 14.

So?

Children who've had years of medical treatment often mature very quickly.

Yes, and sometimes children have to accept that their parents know what's best for them.

It's my heart. Why can't I decide what's best for me?

Moll! Molly!

Let her go a minute.

You knew she was planning this?

I am as surprised by this as much as you are.

But...she does make some valid points.

Valid points? This isn't some college debate!

It's our daughter's life.

He's not a parent. He wouldn't understand.

Look, I can only imagine what you're going through,

but I do know one thing.

If you don't listen to her, you'll never change her mind.

Look at all this! Aren't you a lucky girl?

OK, so you've got a changing mat.

You've got all your bits and bobs, and, um, a cupboard for toys.

Thanks, Karen.

-And not forgetting...

-A bed fit for a princess.

Rounded corners, fixed sides.

-I'll convert it into a toddler's bed when we're ready.

-It's perfect.

So, any problems?

Problems? What, with Rob the Builder and his sidekick?

Sidekick?

It was all upside down and inside out until I took charge!

Oh! Someone's dropped a bomb.

Good job we've got plenty of nappies, then.

Where are the wet wipes?

-There we are.

-I'll do it.

-What?

-Mm-hm.

Um, you do know what you're letting yourself in for?

Yep. I'm ready to get down and dirty.

There you go.

Oh. OK. Um, well, if you need us, we'll be downstairs.

Sorry...

Pre-op nerves. Perfectly natural.

I'm not scared of operations.

Someone died to give you a new life.

Don't you think I know that?

-But you're still willing to let their sacrifice go to waste?

-Oh, come on, that's not fair.

No, I'll tell you what's not fair, is having to watch my child

go through years of agony, and now, finally, there's a chance

she can live a normal life, and she wants to throw it away!

Judith! Hear her out.

A normal life - what's that? Taking pills every morning?

Scans, injections?

We've never had a family holiday.

It's like I've been waiting all my life to live.

And a transplant can help you to do that.

If it only gives you a few more precious years, that's worth it.

And a couple of months in a hospital bed if I'm too sick to come home?

Why focus on the worst-case scenario?

Even if I survive the operation,

I'll be on immunosuppressant drugs forever.

Possible side effects - diabetes, kidney problems, cancer.

POSSIBLE side effects. You might never get another chance.

I know I'll probably never be a mother, a wife, have a career.

This is my chance to make a difference.

So you want to save a stranger? Well, that's wonderful!

What about us?

Oh!

Oh, stop it, will you?

So, really, how did it go with Austin?

Really? It was a bit tricky at first, you know.

Teenage, moody stuff, but...it was really good.

-OVER MONITOR: Oh, this is rank!

-You volunteered!

-Why is it that colour?

-I don't know!

It's florescent yellow! What the hell have you been feeding her?

She been at the highlighter pens or something? THEY LAUGH

-Shall we turn that off?

-KAREN CHUCKLES

MONITOR BEEPS

You know I'd take her pain if I could.

Yeah, but your check-ups are clear!

You wish it was me?

Well, so do I.

If I could rip out my heart and give it to her, I would.

Would that make you happy?

We are solid and strong as a family.

This whole experience has proved that.

Agreed.

Well, that's what I'm trying to prove. If I walk away, what kind of a...

World will Joe grow up in?

Exactly! You don't believe that?

I believe in protecting my family.

By locking up thugs like Braydon!

And what if he gets off?

-You think I won't be a convincing witness?

-No.

You'll do the best you can, but who knows what's in the mind of a jury?

Who knows what they'll decide?

And if it all does go wrong,

Braydon could be back on the streets with his gang in no time.

He wouldn't dare come after us again!

Who knows what goes on inside the mind of a killer?

And what if we get put into a long-term witness protection programme?

That is not likely.

Could we survive that? And how would it affect Joe?

What is it with these stupid things?

ZARA SOBS

How are you feeling now?

You see how hard it is?

It's because they love you.

I won't change my mind.

We know.

So you understand?

Molly, we've only ever wanted what's best for you.

But you're a child.

And you can't legally make a decision like this.

You can't drag me to St Phil's against my will.

What would be the point? I know we've lost this heart.

But next time, we'll use the courts.

And they'll make sure that you have this operation.

What?

Can they do that?

Technically, yes, but whether that's the best course of action...

-I never agreed to that.

-Oh, so you want her to die?

Don't be ridiculous!

But does she really need the extra stress of a court case?

So you win the case,

but in the process lose the relationship with your daughter?

-He's right.

-It's none of his business!

I'm beginning to think he's half of the problem. I mean, who gives a five-year-old a stethoscope?

-I cannot let you do this.

-I am not giving you the choice!

Like you didn't give Molly any say in whether

she wanted to be born with a life-limiting condition!

Stop it.

I will not let some stranger decide what's best for our child!

Stop fighting me and fight for your daughter!

Stop it!

You loved each other so much.

-I spoiled everything.

-No.

How can that be your fault?

You gave so much love to me, there's nothing left for each other.

MOLLY SOBS

If this is my last Christmas,

I want to spend it being a normal kid

with parents who remember they still love each other.

But I shouldn't have to be holding your hand. I'm not on duty.

Hold on. No, not in there!

Dirty nappies and Karen's kitchen do not go together!

-Sorry.

-In the garage. There's a special bin.

Sorry about that. What were you saying?

HE CLEARS THROAT

Oh, you are?

You're going to audition for permanent traffic duty? All right.

Well, I don't care about that, do I?

Stanton wants it, so let's make sure it's done. Yes.

Two officers on rota at Brindley, 24/7. Is that understood?

Thank you. Thanks. Bye.

Mum, Dad, say something.

How did we get...

..such a wonderful, brave daughter?

I'll call the centre. I'll tell them we're not coming in.

Thank you for understanding.

I love you both so much.

You're exhausted. You need to rest.

Sorry, but...I do have one last favour.

Of course.

Will you look after them when I'm gone?

Yes.

I know how difficult that was.

-Don't think you've won.

-What?

I know we've lost this heart.

I won't throw away the next one.

You still want to go to court?

She is my only child.

She could live for years with a transplant. Couldn't she, Heston?

It's possible, yes.

But that's not what Molly wants.

Yes, it's selfish, but I want every hour,

every extra minute I can get with her,

even if she hates me for it.

Oh! Snug as a bug.

Hope she doesn't wake you in the night.

No, it'll be great to have some life in the house again, won't it?

You know I'd be here if I could.

It's OK.

-I want to help.

-Don't worry.

I expect you to be ready for your next nappy change.

Hm, yeah, yeah. I'll be here.

And next time, I'll bring a gas mask!

He's just washing his hands.

All that exercise has...created quite an appetite.

I'm not hungry. Maybe you and Joe should go without me.

Fine.

I didn't ask for any of this.

All I did was be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

And there was no way you were going to run away, is there? Because...

..standing up for the stranger on the street is what you're about.

Stubborn.

Infuriating.

And only the bravest bloody woman I have ever met.

I'm sorry that you feel that I haven't been there for you.

But I am now. OK?

I can't do this without you.

You don't have to. You don't have to.

OK?

So, which one's Kitty?

We both are.

So...I've had a little bit of an idea.

Well, it was actually Aesh's idea.

What idea?

We're stronger if we stick together. Why are you pushing us away?

It is not helping with you constantly jabbing at me, Daniel!

Do I look like the sort of person who just throws their purse around?

I swear.

-It was me.

-What?

What?