Butterflies Doctors

Oh, Dr Carter, Sister Hanif. Good morning.

I did not receive the e-mail with the picture of your choice

-of bridal gown this weekend.

-I just didn't get a chance.

Dr Carter, have you made a decision about your buttonhole?

Well, as long as there's music and plenty of champagne, anything goes.

Yes, indeed, but we are...

We are still rather late with ordering the flowers.

And to design your bouquet, I need to know your colour choice

and all of the details of your dress.

I am sure you are absolutely right. I will talk to you later.

I love a wedding. Don't you?

Frank Patterson.

-Ooh, tiramisu. That's delicious.

-PHONE RINGS

My husband's favourite.

-Hi, Zara.

-What are you in for?

-Yeah, next patient is Dorothy Joyce.

-I don't think that's any of your business.

-I'll send her through.

Chest pains.

Dorothy Joyce, Room Two, please.

Well, goodbye. Nice to have met you.

We're here to be noticed by the council.

-ALL:

-Yes!

Why is your council block being demolished?

And why not the one with the rich private tenants next door?

-ALL:

-Yes!

-We need answers.

-Yes, we do!

But no trouble. We don't need it.

We've got right on our side.

We don't want them to give them any excuse to give us the brush-off.

-ALL:

-Yes!

CHEERING

You did good!

-Cheers, Mum.

-Very wise to head off trouble.

Oh, spoilsport.

I wouldn't know where to start organising something like this.

It's just a few phone calls.

Mum, don't sell yourself short.

What YOU did, kicking the drink and drugs.

Now THAT is really hard.

Not so much.

Anyway, we can face up to this big cheese together.

We're a good team.

I hope you're ready, Team Ayesha, because here comes our first muppet.

-BOOING

-Here comes scum.

I bet you've got a home to go to, haven't you, hey?

A big and nice home. Ooh, how lovely.

I see you had an appointment last week with your oncologist.

Yes, that's correct.

And do you wish to discuss your options?

My options?

I'm afraid I didn't understand a word. It was all jargon.

I hate hospitals.

I'm afraid I was finding it a little difficult to concentrate.

Is that bad?

Oh, Dr Reid...

..has any progress been made on the hen party? It is tomorrow.

Oh, yes. We're just kicking around a few ideas at the moment.

We want to make it offbeat, so...

Time is very short. Do you need any assistance?

No. I mean...no, thank you.

Mrs Hollins mentioned that Nurse Lee's mother is back.

Yes, Mummy dearest is definitely back.

But I'm afraid I can't say any more.

I see. And you don't know where Nurse Lee is?

No.

Well, she's moved out, so...

You may also have experienced some pain, headaches.

Shortness of breath?

Yes. Yes, I have.

I'm afraid that with the way that your cancer has spread, there are

no longer any curative treatment options available to you, Mrs Joyce.

I see.

Is there anyone I could call for you? A family member?

No, thank you. No.

There is no-one. I don't have anybody.

There are some wonderful medicines available to help make sure

you don't suffer any pain.

Yes. Well, yes.

Thank you for your clarity.

But Mrs Joyce, you can't manage the pain alone.

I really would like to discuss your palliative care options.

That won't be necessary, thank you, Doctor.

But at least let me give you the number of some support networks...

-CHANTING:

-Hands off! Hands off! Hands off!

CHEERING

-I think your mum should go home.

-Why?

-I'm just worried this might be too much.

-She looks all right to me.

-I really think...

-No.

Councillor Edwards will be here any minute now.

We need to do this together.

Can I help?

-No. No, thank you. No.

-OK.

Oh! Hello, stranger!

Bad news?

Leave me alone, please.

Ooh...

BOOING

-Good morning.

-Oh, here comes flatfoot.

-What's this, a family reunion?

-A peaceful protest. All legit.

Protesting about what?

Nothing that concerns nosy coppers, so do one.

It's your scarf. You left it. Looks expensive.

Oh, thank you. That was quite unnecessary.

-Have you been a patient here long?

-I don't recall.

They're good people here. They've certainly looked after me.

Look, do you fancy some company?

No. No, I don't.

Oh, well. Suit yourself.

Are you all right?

I'm quite all right, thank you.

Are you sure?

Certain.

-I might be able to help.

-Don't you ever give up?

Not when there's a beautiful woman in distress.

I will be quite all right in a moment.

We're a right pair. And it's such a lovely day.

I hadn't noticed.

It is. I mean, look at that sky. It's magnificent.

I am not at all in the mood for looking at the sky.

-Why not?

-I'm just not.

Well, you can't miss this. It's glorious.

Not for me.

I have just had some...difficult, distressing...

You can't help me.

Try me. I'm a good listener.

If you must know, I'm dying.

Oh, yeah?

Want to join the club?

Karen, I'm about to hit a patient barrage and I would really like

to speak to Dorothy Joyce.

-Could you ring, get her in this afternoon if you can?

-'Course. So,

will I book for the fantastic hen night that I've thought of?

I'm still not convinced.

Mrs Tembe keeps angling to help us decide.

Well, if she helped us arrange it

that really would guarantee a memorable night.

All MY ideas involve alcohol, which isn't great for Ruhma.

-Ooh, you old soak!

-Pot, kettle.

-Are we still considering karaoke?

It's got to be dancing. Come on, you know you want to.

Oh, good. The hen party. So has a decision been made?

ALL: Yes.

Really?

You see, it's OK to accept some help sometimes.

The way I see it, it's not a sign of weakness,

but it's a way of making others feel good.

An unusual philosophy.

And now you can help me.

Cos I'm parched.

We have every right to be here.

-There's been a complaint.

-What, from that numpty inside?

-Yeah. He felt intimidated.

-Oh, boo-hoo!

I know what this is. It's an attempt to browbeat us

-and it's not on, Rob.

-No, it's not. It's a word to the wise.

We've a right to be heard.

Yeah, but you've also got a responsibility to be civil.

Civil, is it? Does it make you feel like the big man, Sergeant,

breaking up protesters?

Siding with the lowlife at the council?

What's the matter, officer?

Embarrassed about your small truncheon?

A lovely cup of tea.

Gets you through most things.

How do you manage to keep so rosy?

Oh! I've had my moments, believe me.

The whole carbuncle. Denial, anger.

But really, what's the point?

We're just wasting time.

-You sound just like my husband.

-Is that a good thing?

Yes. He was a very positive, tenacious man.

Was?

He died.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Have a sticky bun.

I'd better not.

Oh, go on.

A moment on the lips...

Oh, to hell with that. We don't have much lifetime left, Dorothy.

Mm!

Come in.

Ah, Sister Hanif, have you got a few moments,

just to talk about the flowers?

Er, no, because I've got a lady arriving in five minutes

and I'm completely backed up.

-All right. Well, what about lunchtime?

-Oh, no.

Ah, do you remember that lovely junk shop that we went to and the man

gave me the contact for the house clearance?

That's today. Yeah. So, I get first picks on things.

And it's the sort of address that they're not going to skimp

on the goodies.

Why are you avoiding this?

Because I can't make my mind up.

I've narrowed it down to two, but I just... I can't decide, and...

Alia's being useless. I had a strop and had to go home

and the woman in the shop thinks I'm a nutter.

You have not made a decision at all?

No. And that is why we can't pick any flowers.

Look, I might as well go to this house clearance.

But what are you going to do about the dress?

I'm going to not think about it, bury my head in the sand and hope

I have a brainwave by the end of the day.

-How much do I owe you?

-No, no. This is my treat.

Now have a bun.

I promise, it will be the most delicious bun you've ever tasted.

I doubt it.

You feel everything more intensely when you're dying.

That's why I noticed the beautiful pattern in your scarf.

And that's why I noticed your lovely face.

Perhaps there is time for another cup of tea.

I wasn't like this a year ago.

I wouldn't have had the confidence.

But that's what's so wonderful about dying. You get wings.

Take spiders. I used to be terrified of them.

But now, it wouldn't bother me if one suddenly walked across

this table.

You're like a walking advertisement for death.

I'll take that as a compliment.

And that's the first one you've paid me.

Oh! What am I doing, sitting here talking nonsense with you?

I should go home. Think.

Sort out my affairs. How long do I even have?

Don't worry about the details.

Your doctor will help,

and the end-of-life nurses have been wonderful to me.

Of course, you must go home if that's what you want,

but I suggest you live a little.

How about a walk in the park?

What's that for?

Does there have to be a reason?

No.

OK, you got me.

I did have a terminal patient this morning.

-Oh.

-Facing it alone. No friends or family. Pretty desperate.

Yeah, I think I saw her outside your consulting room.

I blame the oncologist for letting her walk out of his office

without fully understanding her prognosis.

-I doubt it. Denial is a powerful thing.

-Well, that's what he said.

But isn't it our job to cut through that?

She's only got two or three more months left to live,

and if she refuses to have pain relief right to the end,

-it could be pretty desperate for her.

-Hm.

Look, there's a squirrel.

They only last three or four years in the wild.

Doesn't make the old three score and ten sound so bad, does it?

Butterflies are lucky if they live for a fortnight.

Yes, but what a glamorous fortnight.

They have lovely butterflies in the botanical gardens.

I could take you.

No.

No, I don't think so.

Although what kind do they...?

-CHANTING:

-Save our houses! Save our houses!

Save our houses! Save our houses!

Right, I'm going to go now,

but let me underline to you that a peaceful protest is one thing,

but verbal abuse is quite another.

So, if there's any more offensive language towards a council worker

or anyone else, for that matter, and I will be back pronto.

Ooh, watch me shivering all over.

Oi! What do you call a fat copper?

-Porky pig!

-CHEERING AND LAUGHTER

I said I should have taken her home.

She's better off channelling it into something.

No, she's right on the edge. She needs calm, and quiet.

Hello! I am a nurse. What exactly are YOUR qualifications?

-I know her.

-No.

-I

-know her.

Anyway, Councillor Edwards will be here soon.

If you don't start taking this seriously, you could lose your home.

So be it.

Bren, come on.

OK.

-I fancy some grub anyway.

-Mum,

you don't actually have to do everything she says, you know.

Hey.

PHONE RINGS

PHONE RINGS

-Hey, Dave.

-Yeah.

-It's Ruhma. It's a beautiful house.

Deceased estate. Used to belong to a lovely old gent.

Didn't get out much, but he took pleasure in his house,

-according to his son.

-That's sad.

We help out a lot of families like this.

-Stressful time for them.

-Yeah, of course.

There's plenty to catch your eye in there.

Whether it'll be worth anything, that's another story.

-Anyway, see what you can find.

-Thanks again for the opportunity.

I'm sorry. I must have nodded off.

-I'm sorry.

-It's quite all right.

Is it your condition?

Mesothelioma.

Asbestos. Gives you fatigue and chest pains.

It's a bundle of laughs.

But I'm not a surgical candidate.

They tell me I'm at the stage of dancing my last dance.

Don't you feel bitter?

No, not any more. I've had a good life.

I'm sorry.

Well, something has to get you.

PHONE RINGS

Dorothy?

Hello. Dorothy Joyce speaking.

Hello, it's the Mill Health Centre. Dr Carmichael asked me to call.

She'd like you to come back in for a consultation.

Oh, no, thank you. That won't be necessary.

-Well, I've got a cancellation at 4.20.

-I don't think I can make it.

Dr Carmichael is very keen for you to come back in.

No. Thank you. No.

That was the surgery, wanting to discuss my situation.

Well, yes, of course. They're a supportive bunch.

You'll be well looked after.

The thing is...

..I don't want to know. I'm not ready.

Whoever is?

I know it might go against the grain, old girl,

but I think you should reach out to your fellow human beings

at a time like this.

I know you are not comfortable with people

putting themselves out for you,

but I think it's time for you to swallow your pride

and accept some help.

It can only benefit you.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

Mrs Tembe, look!

It was much better than I thought.

They had antiques and all sorts of things.

I'm going to put these online and then it is sell, sell, sell.

And if you want to talk flowers, I've got ten minutes.

I have a better idea.

-Why don't you come to my office after your last patient?

-Oh, OK.

Mrs Joyce. Oh, great. I thought you were unavailable.

-I'm really pleased to see you back.

-Well, thank you...

Frank, for a most unusual day, to say the least.

-I enjoyed our walk in the park.

-Well, don't go overboard, Dorothy.

Well, very nice to meet you.

-You've made my day.

-Goodbye.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Dr Carter, you cannot... You cannot come in.

Well, I just wanted to say that as far as button holes go,

-I think traditional is best.

-Oh. Good. Thank you.

-Have I done something to offend you?

-No.

You have to leave, it is most important. Oh, Sister Hanif,

you need to tell your fiance that he needs to leave immediately.

OK. Why don't you go and I'll deal with this.

What was that about?!

I know I was a little sharp. I will apologise later.

-I just did not want my plan to backfire.

-Plan?

Well, I just thought that if you were in a calm environment,

that you would be able to choose your wedding dress.

So, Dorothy...

Dr Carmichael, that is a beautiful dress.

-I didn't notice it earlier.

-Thank you.

It's a lovely day, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

Dorothy, I've been concerned about you.

I understand my situation, doctor.

The cancer has spread.

There are no more treatment options and I will die.

Yes.

How long do I have?

It is hard to say, but possibly a short time.

Might there be some mistake?

I'm sorry, no.

And the pain?

-You said you could help with the pain.

-We certainly can.

We can monitor the pain and help to keep you comfortable,

right to the very end.

There are two local hospices I would recommend. One especially.

They're very friendly.

The one I like has a beautiful garden.

They run support groups for people in your situation.

You can go and visit.

You could take someone with you?

Your friend?

My friend? Oh, you mean Frank.

Oh, I don't really know him. And he will have gone anyway.

I don't know how to contact him.

Exquisite gardens.

Buddleia, lavender.

-It is a very special place.

-Butterflies?

Yes, I suppose so.

Edwards wouldn't speak to us.

Eesh, it's starting again.

The council are against me, Eesh. They're all against me.

You think you know how the world really is, but you don't.

If I wasn't living here,

-do you think this eviction would still be happening?

-Yeah.

Mum, this eviction isn't about you.

It is. And I deserve it. The things I've done.

And Sierra.

And that time you wanted to go ice skating.

And the racket when the neighbours complained. It's all connected.

What goes around comes around.

There are all these connections, but not everyone sees them.

It's all right, Bren. Take some deep breaths.

How about a bath?

I don't want a bath! What a stupid idea!

What do you think? Wash all my troubles away.

Scrub-a-dub-dub.

Wash that man right out of my hair, is it?

-Mum, you're not making a lot of sense.

-Oh!

Now we have it.

After playing nicey, nicey, now we have it.

"You're not making a lot of sense, Mum.

"You're stupid, Mum. Not like my clever doctor friends.

"I've left you behind, Mum."

Come on.

-Do you need a hand?

-No, no.

I can't believe it!

Look! Somebody's bid on it - that's double the start price.

Well, that is very good.

I'm sorry, Mrs Tembe.

You know that we really appreciate your help.

Yes, of course, Dr Carter has said a similar thing.

-Perhaps I have been a little forward.

-No, no.

It is just so wonderful to see two dear friends get married.

It is truly a blessing.

OK.

Are you ready?

-Yes, very much so.

-Ta-da!

Oh, now...that is perfect.

Oh! Still here?

Yes, just like a bad penny, me.

How was it?

You were right. Better to face up to it.

What's that you said?

You were right.

Thank you for everything, Frank. If I hadn't met you...

Well, with a bit of luck, we may end up in the same hospice.

I've been recommended one with a lovely garden.

Maybe.

So, is this goodbye?

-Unless...

-Yes?

Frank, would you like to go out to dinner tonight?

Or maybe lunch tomorrow?

Well, I'll have to check my diary.

I'm a busy man, me.

But I think I could squeeze you in.

How about...both?

Let's see how dinner goes first, hey?

Karen, you called it right. Carpe diem.

-It does have to be dancing.

-Yay!

Mrs Tembe, about the hen night.

We're going to take it to the max!

Excuse me?

A 1980s themed disco night.

-1980...

-Yes, you know, crop tops, fishnets, stilettos.

No... Are you sure that Sister Hanif will enjoy...

Mrs Tembe, it will be fun.

# Welcome to the house of fun. #

BIRDSONG

What's brought this on?

It's like she's using again. She promised me.

No, I'm sure it's not that. It's the comedown.

You know what it's like. It can take months.

Years maybe. She gets like this. I did warn you.

But I'm here now, I can help.

I don't think so, love. If anything, she's worse around you.

That is not fair.

You're a reminder of what she has missed out on all these years.

-Maybe that's what you're telling her.

-No, why would I?

-She needs her family.

-You're not helping.

-Look, you can't see it clearly.

-What, and you can see it clearly?

Why, because you're just as messed up as she is?

-Isn't it you who's creating the problem?

-No. It's not like that.

-Are you talking about me?

-No, not really.

Why are you arguing?

Mum, I just want what's best for you.

Eesh.

Amber gets it.

She knows how to handle me.

You don't. All we do is argue.

You should leave.

What the hell are you doing?!

You're going to tell the truth

and you're going to face the consequences that come,

when you tell the truth!

Tell what truth, Dr Haskey?

You're both stuck-up, you're both happy with your uber

comfortable lives, with your uber comfortable...

All right, that's enough!