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00:00The Loss to a child is often fleeting.
00:11The grief and the missing are erased as soon as the loved thing is returned.
00:18The void is filled so simply and the joy is so complete that only the reunion stays imprinted
00:26on the mind.
00:28The picture is perfect once again, as if the trouble never happened, but a child's pain
00:37when they feel it is real and absolute and we must shelter them until their dark hours
00:44pass.
00:45That was quite a tumble.
01:00Are you alright?
01:02Don't worry, Sister Veronica, we can sort this out, can't we, Deborah?
01:06We've got the first aid tin and the sweetie tin.
01:09They both make you better, don't they?
01:11Mm-hmm.
01:12So, which one are we going to open first?
01:15That one.
01:16I thought you might say that.
01:18Well, I wish the dinner ladies at my school had had medicine like that, Mrs. Robbins.
01:23I'll see you both when I'm next in school.
01:25Right.
01:26Off you go and play before the bell.
01:31Off you go and play before the bell.
01:38Can you hear it?
01:46That's a good, strong baby's heartbeat.
01:49That's something to tell your friends about, isn't it?
01:52The next time you come, there should be a little brother or sister here to meet you.
02:00They're getting closer together.
02:02We'd better leave you to it, then.
02:05What about Kenny, love?
02:08Shall I tell him you're here?
02:10He's probably got the right to know.
02:13All right, yeah, just say you'll let him know when the baby's been born.
02:17All right, darling.
02:18Come on, you.
02:21Come with Granny.
02:22Let's leave Mummy to him.
02:26Me and Kenny separated a few months ago.
02:28I did notice there was no one down to be in the delivery room with you.
02:32Well, he's the last person I'd want, truth be told, nurse.
02:34He's taking the right home because I'm moving out to Stevenage where my sister is.
02:39Better off by myself.
02:42Oh, I'm so sorry to hear it was another bad night.
02:45Poor little Christopher.
02:46The night nurse was piecing with him for hours.
02:49I hate to think of him being so distressed.
02:51Team of therapy must be making him feel terribly sick.
02:54But this cycle is almost over and he'll be back home with you and the children.
02:59You're certainly looking forward to it.
03:01I have another case at the hospital this morning.
03:04I'll pop in to see Christopher afterwards and let you know how he is.
03:06Oh, thank you, sister.
03:08Not at all, Mrs. Turner.
03:09That's it, good lass.
03:31You can tell you've done this before.
03:34That's the bit you try to forget about.
03:36I know, but the body doesn't forget.
03:42Hello, Pam?
03:43Oh, my God, there's Kenny.
03:45I really don't want him in here.
03:47Hello, Pam?
03:51Hello?
03:55Sorry, Mr. Schoen.
03:57Fathers aren't allowed in the delivery room without the mother's express permission.
04:02I was there for the last one.
04:03That may be true, lad, but there have been some changes since then, haven't there?
04:08It's my baby, too.
04:09Everyone just takes her side.
04:10It isn't about sides, Mr. Shields.
04:13This is a maternity home.
04:16We have to put the needs and wishes of the laboring mother first,
04:20because that is what is best for baby.
04:22It's from my solicitor.
04:34He's received my decree, nice eye.
04:36Oh, my goodness.
04:38So, does this mean...
04:40It means in six weeks and a day from today, I can apply for my decree absolute.
04:44And I will officially be a single man, free to do anything I choose.
04:48Even marry again if I want to.
04:49If you meet the right person.
04:52If I meet the right person.
04:58I suppose it must feel sad, too.
05:01I know it's not what you would have wanted or expected.
05:05You know, I thought it would be sad.
05:08I had a lot of hopes and dreams when I married Lucille.
05:11And she was the one who wanted to divorce.
05:12But now it's actually happening.
05:16It's more like closing a book.
05:20I can think about the future.
05:22That's it, Paul.
05:41Push now.
05:42Good, strong one.
05:43Good, lass.
05:47Keep pushing.
05:48The head is coming.
05:51Well, John.
05:53I have your baby's head in my hand.
05:56We're so very nearly there.
05:58I want you to give me one more.
05:59Just like the last one.
06:00You have a beautiful little boy,
06:08but I'm born at exactly 22 minutes past two.
06:14Is he got ten fingers and ten toes?
06:17He certainly does.
06:21Perfect.
06:21Isn't he just...
06:31I don't know.
06:35Looking good, Fred.
06:38Hello, Edwin.
06:40Yeah.
06:41I take that as a compliment coming from a professional.
06:44Not anymore.
06:45I retired from the park last Thursday.
06:47Man of leisure now, mate.
06:49Good for you.
06:50You mean Molly?
06:51Yeah.
06:51I thought I'd come down, surprise her.
06:54Take her for a strawberry mivvy,
06:55seeing as the weather's so nice.
06:57You old romantic.
07:01Got to keep the magic alive, Fred.
07:13Young Master Colin Shields is ready for you now, Doctor.
07:17Well, hello, Colin.
07:19Aren't you the handsome lad?
07:20I am just going to do a little bit of checking and measuring for you.
07:25I did notice that his eyes are a little red.
07:27I wondered if there might be some infection present.
07:30Yes, they are a little bit.
07:37I'll take a swab.
07:39Don't you worry, young man.
07:40We will find out what it is and get it cleared up in no time.
07:43You're awfully quiet, love.
07:53What's wrong?
07:55Is your back bothering you again?
07:57It's not just the back head.
07:58It's not just the back head.
08:01The other thing happened again.
08:02The water works.
08:04It was awful.
08:06And what if it happened when I was serving the children or in the kitchen?
08:10I feel so dirty.
08:13If it carries on like this, I'm going to have to give up my job.
08:17Love, if you want to give up your job, you give up your job.
08:21But it ain't going to fix the problem.
08:23Only a doctor can do that.
08:25And you need to make an appointment.
08:27No, it's too embarrassing.
08:31Oh, Molly, love.
08:35You're getting more and more of these pains at Summit, right?
08:39Don't fuss, Ed.
08:41It will pass.
08:43I'll ever not pass.
08:44I have to admit, I am concerned.
08:51Christopher gets upset so easily, and he's refusing to eat.
08:56And as you know, he is so very fragile.
09:00This chemotherapy is one of the toughest things you could put a two-year-old through.
09:04He seemed to cope so well with the last cycle.
09:07Do you think we need to speak to the consultant?
09:10He's decided to conduct a treatment review.
09:12And obviously, as Christopher's guardians in this country, he's asked for you both to attend.
09:21May I?
09:22I can bathe his eyes, and then I'll take him to the nursery so you can get some sleep.
09:27You've had a busy day.
09:29Thank you, sister.
09:31I do feel shattered.
09:32I mean, I don't remember it being so bad the last time.
09:36I see you as a friend already.
09:38Yeah, well, that teddy is Kenny all over.
09:40And all that fuss this morning, and he hasn't even been in to see Colin, now he's actually here.
09:50Oh, well done, little one.
09:58I'm sure he'll come tomorrow.
10:01Maybe.
10:01There's no way to live, though, is it?
10:06Never knowing what's what.
10:12Would you like to come to a social work conference in York?
10:16What an offer.
10:18Well, not the conference itself, but it's on a Friday, and I thought that maybe if you could get the weekend off, we could...
10:25York is a city I've always wanted to see, and I would like to see it with you.
10:33Cyril.
10:34Are you asking me to go away with you for the weekend?
10:37Yes.
10:38I am.
10:39A whole weekend?
10:42In a hotel?
10:44Yes.
10:45Oh, my goodness.
10:46If you don't want to, I understand.
10:49No, no, no.
10:51I would love to.
10:52I would love to.
11:07Night-night.
11:11It was under your bed.
11:28Patrick, don't forget we're meeting with Christopher's consultant.
11:34Hello?
11:36Dr. Turner speaking.
11:40Yes, of course.
11:41Well, what's the patient's address?
11:46Morning, Miss Higgins.
11:47Good morning, Sister Catherine.
11:50Sounds like someone's ready for breakfast.
12:00Oh!
12:02How long have you been getting these paints?
12:04Oh, I don't know, Doctor.
12:05It comes and goes.
12:07But last night, it's like being stabbed or something.
12:10It's been at least since Christmas.
12:14I suppose it has.
12:16I thought it was just 30 years of lifting pots of spuds.
12:21But it ain't, is it, Doctor?
12:23No, Mrs. Robbins.
12:24I don't think it is.
12:26I could feel something inside that was harder than I would expect it to be.
12:30You mean a lump, don't you?
12:33There could be any number of things, Mrs. Robbins.
12:36I know it's difficult, but please try not to jump to any conclusions.
12:41Tell me, do you have any other symptoms?
12:43For example, any urinary problems?
12:46Have you ever experienced incontinence?
12:48Yes.
12:56Mrs. Shields?
13:00Is baby Colin with you?
13:02No, why?
13:03He isn't in the nursery.
13:11Mrs. Shields!
13:12Mrs. Shields!
13:22Where's my baby?
13:23Where's my baby?
13:25Where is he?
13:26Where is my baby?
13:27Oh, God!
13:28Where is he?
13:29Oh, God!
13:29Where is he?
13:34Oh, God!
13:35No!
13:36I am going to give you an injection of pethidine.
13:41It will help with the pain.
13:43Thank you, Doctor.
13:44And I'm sending you to St. Cuthbert for an abdominal x-ray.
13:48It will help us to understand what we're dealing with.
13:51And they should be able to see you quite quickly.
13:53Oh, that's good, isn't it, love?
13:57Do you think it's cancer, Dr. Turner?
14:00Just tell me if you do.
14:02I honestly don't know, Mrs. Roberts.
14:07That's why it's important that we get you to the hospital.
14:17The notice has midwife speaking.
14:23Oh, my goodness.
14:24A second.
14:26Of course, I'll be there right away.
14:28Her baby's gone missing from the maternity home.
14:32Miss Higgins, what's happened?
14:37There are two police cars outside.
14:42I checked on both babies at about ten to seven,
14:47just before I took the morning tea to the wards.
14:50You said the doors were locked?
14:51The external doors, yes.
14:54Double locked until Miss Higgins opens up for the day staff.
14:57And even then, you can't get in that back door without a key.
15:00Except, Sister Catherine, it appears you can.
15:03I was so close by, D.I. Holbrook.
15:07How could I have heard or seen nothing?
15:10I must have missed it by a few moments.
15:14And now, baby Colin, is gone.
15:15I am so, so sorry that this has happened, Mrs. Shields.
15:22We will do everything we can to help find him.
15:26Mrs. Shields?
15:30Let me help you.
15:32Sweet tea is good for shock.
15:35Oh, Mr. Shields.
15:44Dr. Turner, D.I. John Holbrook.
15:46I'm in charge of the investigation.
15:48I expect you want to speak to me.
15:49If you wouldn't mind.
15:51Please.
15:51It seems that the back door has been forced this morning,
15:56probably after Miss Higgins arrived and opened the bottom lock.
15:59I thought the building was secure.
16:02D.I. Holbrook,
16:04a newborn baby is so incredibly vulnerable.
16:06We'll find him.
16:08We've got officers searching the area already.
16:10I'll need to access some files of all the female patients
16:13who recently lost a baby or had to give one up.
16:16You think a woman's responsible?
16:17It's usually the way with baby snatch cases.
16:19I've received the test results for the swab that we took from baby Colin's eyes.
16:23Anything significant?
16:26I'm afraid so.
16:26Colin's eye infection is caused by the chickenpox virus.
16:31That in itself is a serious condition for newborns,
16:34but when it infects the eyes like this,
16:37it has to be treated very quickly.
16:39That's easily done in a medical setting,
16:41but without treatment, a baby can become blind.
16:46This mother must have it.
16:47She just doesn't have any symptoms yet.
16:50Well, we'll have to care for her at home to protect the other babies.
16:53I cannot overstate how serious this can be for a newborn.
16:59We'll put out an appeal across the board right away.
17:02We might have a few journalists hanging around, I'm afraid.
17:06Anything that helps is fine by me.
17:07Where's Lisa? I thought you'd bring her.
17:19She's with Kenny, love.
17:21What?
17:22No, no, everyone's trying to get a hold of Kenny.
17:24Where are they?
17:25I don't know.
17:26He took her early doors like you arranged.
17:29I didn't arrange her.
17:30I haven't even seen Kenny.
17:33Oh, my God.
17:35Oh, my God, Mum, it's him.
17:37It's him, it's Kenny.
17:38He's taken them both.
17:42It's the shelves!
17:43It's the police!
17:50Check the other room.
17:51He's put nappies, bottle, formula lock.
18:02He's cleared out.
18:05But why did he do it?
18:07His own children?
18:09Because he wants to punish his wife for leaving him.
18:12We believe that both children may be with your father, Mr Kenneth Shields.
18:17The younger of the two children, a day-old baby by the name of Colin,
18:22has a medical condition that requires urgent attention.
18:26We appeal to Mr Shields and to the...
18:29How are you, lass?
18:32Better, thank you.
18:35I will be ready for our evening offices and work in the morning.
18:38Cyril's asked me to go away with him for the weekend.
18:51Ah, good for the pasta.
18:53Where are you going to go?
18:54A social work conference in New York.
18:57Which, I'm assured will be more romantic than it sounds.
19:02I think it's finally going to happen.
19:04What?
19:06It.
19:06It.
19:08You haven't?
19:09No.
19:11But you stay the night with him.
19:12Cyril's very moral about still being married.
19:15Which is a good thing, obviously.
19:17But we are only human.
19:21And we are going away for the weekend.
19:24And if I can get to the Brooke Advisory Clinic this week,
19:27I could be on the pill by then.
19:29Look.
19:31They give it to you without being married.
19:33You don't even have to pretend to be engaged.
19:36Well then.
19:39Cheers to the social work conference in York.
19:45How are you doing?
19:46Try not to scratch them, love.
19:49It's all right.
19:51It's just the post.
19:52It's from Kenny.
20:16Mrs. Robbins?
20:17Oh, hello, Nurse Island.
20:20I didn't expect to see you here.
20:22You're usually at Narnata's house.
20:24It's only temporary.
20:25I've been seconded to work under Mr. Parry in gynecology.
20:28He has your x-rays now, so he's ready to see you.
20:30Oh.
20:31Right.
20:35Good luck, love.
20:36You can come too, Mr. Robbins.
20:38Oh.
20:46Oh, Patrick, look at him.
20:50Dr. Turner.
20:51Mrs. Turner.
20:53Thank you for coming.
20:54The team from Great Ormond Street have just seen Christopher.
20:57This shouldn't take too long.
20:58What do you mean, Dr. Grant?
20:59I would have thought there was quite a lot to discuss.
21:02No, no.
21:02Don't worry, Mrs. Turner.
21:04We're not giving up on Christopher.
21:05But we are going to stop his treatment for a while.
21:09Christopher is too weak to continue for now.
21:13I want to say physiologically or psychologically, but it's both, isn't it?
21:19At least for the time being.
21:21The treatment is wearing him out.
21:24And at this age, it's going to affect him developmentally.
21:30This little boy is a long way from home.
21:33I told you to stay indoors.
22:00It's all right, mate.
22:08I'm here.
22:10It's all right.
22:12It's all right.
22:19It's all right.
22:21Lisa, I said to stay in bed until I got back.
22:25You've got to be a big girl now and do what you're told.
22:27Mommy.
22:30But we're playing the game where we're hiding from Mommy, remember?
22:34And when the game's finished, we'll all be together again.
22:38Yeah.
22:39Pete.
22:41You're all right.
22:41You're all right.
22:42You're all right.
22:48You're all right.
22:49I see the rash came out.
22:55I'm just a bit itchy.
22:59The worst bit is thinking about what the chicken pots could be doing to Colin.
23:02And Lisa ain't had it either.
23:04You know, what if they're both sick?
23:05I don't suppose you got much sleep.
23:10I feel like I didn't get any at all.
23:13I must have gone off for a bit because I was sure that I had...
23:16That I had made me cry.
23:20And Lisa's running in through the front door.
23:23I thought for this lovely minute that he brought them back, you know, that he proved his point.
23:28I have something that might help, Mrs. Shields.
23:35Dr. Turner has prescribed you a sedative.
23:39I wish I could do more.
23:44I wish I'd been able to stop him yesterday.
23:47But a few hours of sleep and some calamine lotion for the rash.
23:53I can give you that.
23:54I can give you that.
23:58Here you are, Mrs. Robbins.
24:00We'll get you all set up before your surgery in the morning.
24:03Thank you, nurse.
24:05Besides that tumour, Ed.
24:06Oh, Mr. Parry didn't say tumour mould.
24:11He said mass.
24:12That's true, Mrs. Robbins.
24:14We won't know what it is until it's been removed.
24:16Why don't you make a list of things your husband can bring from home?
24:19Oh, that's a good idea, love.
24:23Right, well, you want a toothbrush?
24:26Trash.
24:29Slippers.
24:32It's been a long time since we had a night of Parko.
24:35Home, Mummy.
25:00She's sleeping now.
25:02Oh, that's good.
25:03Thank you, sister.
25:09Hello?
25:10Hello?
25:12Kenny, listen to me.
25:14You've got to bring them back.
25:16The baby's not well.
25:17He needs a doctor.
25:19I've got the nurse here, if you don't believe me.
25:22It's one of the sisters.
25:24Now, she isn't going to lie, is she?
25:25Mr. Shields, this is Sister Catherine speaking from Nanata's house.
25:32Baby Colin has chicken pox and an infection in his eyes.
25:36It could...
25:39Was that Penny?
25:42I was so sure we'd done the right thing by bringing him here.
25:50But did we?
25:51If you hadn't, Christopher wouldn't have survived.
25:54I thought if we just gave him enough love and care...
25:57Your care has been exemplary, Mrs. Turner.
26:00And perhaps in time, Christopher could settle, but he doesn't have time.
26:07The thing is, even if we could get Christopher to Hong Kong for this break in treatment,
26:13we have no idea what Esther's life is like at the moment.
26:17Or would she even be in a position to look after him and keep him safe from his father?
26:21Let me speak with Sister Julianne and arrange a long-distance call with Sister Hilda.
26:27And then we can find out what she knows.
26:37Rosalind Clifford, I'm here for an appointment.
26:44We always do an internal examination at the first appointment.
26:48Just to make sure that everything's healthy before prescribing.
26:53Yes, of course, Dr. Bear, it does make sense.
26:55Are you sexually active already, Miss Clifford?
26:58Er, no.
26:59Not as such.
27:01Not yet.
27:02But I want to be prepared.
27:05Gosh.
27:06Sounds like I'm in the girl guide.
27:07I think it's very sensible.
27:11You might find a little bleeding later, but that's completely normal.
27:15Well, everything seems absolutely in order.
27:18Oh, sweetheart.
27:44What's your name?
27:46What's your name?
27:48They're going to take you through now, Mrs. Robbins.
28:04Let the doctor through, please.
28:22Let the doctor through.
28:22A bit of good news at last.
28:24Yeah, it's a star doctor, but we have to get them both.
28:25Can you tell us just a few words?
28:27Retractor?
28:28Now, there seems to be some calcification here.
28:37I'll just have to...
28:39Kelly's?
28:45Oh, my goodness.
28:47I certainly wasn't expecting you to see this.
28:49Um, diathermy.
28:50Oh, dear.
29:10Chicken pox.
29:11Just came out this morning.
29:13She's got a bit of a temperature.
29:15Well, she's absolutely exhausted.
29:18But apart from that, there don't seem to be any physical effects, thank goodness.
29:23I'll pop back later.
29:24If you have any problems in the meantime, please call.
29:27Thank you, doctor.
29:28I don't think I'll ever be able to let her out of my sight again.
29:38Has she said anything about...
29:40No, just that Colin was crying and Daddy had a blue car.
29:44I mean, God knows where he got that from.
29:47Oh, my God.
29:49Oh, he left his own child alone in a strange place.
29:52I mean, anything could have happened.
29:54How can a man like that keep a sick baby safe?
29:58Sister, sister, sister, sister, for our listeners.
30:04Sister, over here, local radio, please, just a few words.
30:07Sister, excuse me.
30:09Sister, are you the midwife?
30:11Uh, yes.
30:12Sister Catherine, Minata's house.
30:14What would you say to Kenny Shields, sister?
30:17I would just say, please get Colin to a doctor.
30:21Every day without treatment puts him more at risk.
30:23Please eat.
30:28Everyone has their own key with their name on for the new lock.
30:37There are also now two large internal bolts on the back door, which must always be...
30:42Oh, Dr. Turner, this is yours.
30:44Thank you, Miss Higgins.
30:45Did you mind to type up my report on the missing baby for the Board of Health?
30:49It's ready for you to sign.
30:51I wanted to tell you right away.
30:53My call with Sister Hilda really was quite positive.
30:56What did she say?
30:57Esther Tang is well and has secured employment as a domestic with the British Army.
31:02Baby Beryl seems to be thriving.
31:05Oh, that is good news.
31:06It is, but there is news that may be even more significant.
31:11Christopher's father, the cormorant, has been arrested.
31:15He's on trial for drug dealing and racketeering.
31:17Oh, my goodness.
31:18A conviction would mean a substantial time in prison.
31:22If he is convicted, if he isn't, he'll feel like he's invincible.
31:30He could be more cruel and ruthless than ever.
31:33However, how could we send Christopher back to that?
31:40Ah, Nurse Highland, come and see what I've removed from Mrs. Robbins.
31:44I don't expect you'll ever come across another.
31:46Was it a true, no?
31:47No.
31:49This came from Mrs. Robbins?
31:51Yes.
31:52It's called a lithopedian, from the Greek lithos meaning stone.
31:56Impedian, child.
31:58It means a stone baby.
31:59Yes.
31:59Look, you can see the limbs quite clearly.
32:03There are even contours of facial features.
32:06An umbilical cord?
32:07Yes.
32:08It's incredibly rare.
32:10A fetus develops outside the uterus, never viable, as you know.
32:15Usually, they die quite quickly and are absorbed back into the body.
32:18Yes.
32:19But here, the fetus has survived until it was too big to be reabsorbed.
32:22So the mother's body has calcified it to prevent sepsis, effectively turning the fetus into stone.
32:29I'd say it was about four months' gestation, wouldn't you?
32:31Yes.
32:34Mrs. Robbins must have carried it for more than 30 years.
32:37Yes.
32:47Renata's house.
32:48Midwife speaking.
32:49Hello.
32:50His eyes.
32:51He's got spots.
32:52I'm sorry.
32:53Sister Catherine isn't on duty.
32:55Would you hold on one moment, please?
32:58I'm not sure, but he mentioned the radi.
33:08I think it might be Kenny Shields.
33:12Hello.
33:13This is Sister Catherine speaking.
33:16Is that you, Mr. Shields?
33:17I'll call the police.
33:20How can I help?
33:23Is Colin with you?
33:24Tell me about his eyes.
33:25They're all crusted up and sore.
33:29He's got spots and he's hot.
33:31He needs a doctor, Mr. Shields.
33:34Are you near a hospital?
33:36I can't go to hospital.
33:37I'll take him off me and I won't see him again.
33:40I've already given up my little girl.
33:43I'm not a bad person, Sister.
33:47I love my kids.
33:50I only done it because she was going to take them away from me.
33:53She was cutting me out.
33:55I love this little fella.
34:02I'm sure you do, Mr. Shields.
34:04So you have to put him first.
34:07Colin could become very sick indeed.
34:10He could even lose his sight.
34:13You can bring him here to Nanata's house,
34:15or if you tell me where you are, I can send an ambulance.
34:18I'm not giving him up.
34:19Come on, Sister Mum.
34:20Money's going to run out.
34:21What else can I do?
34:22You can bathe the eyes with saline.
34:25You can keep him hydrated.
34:27You can make sure everything is really, really clean,
34:29but it won't cure it.
34:31He has to...
34:32Mr. Shields.
34:35Kenny, please.
34:36We'll need a bit of rest and recuperation after all this, Mrs. Robbins.
34:53But the symptoms will be gone.
34:55The pain and the incontinence were just the lithopedian pressing on the organs.
34:58It's so strange to think I was pregnant.
35:02I didn't even know.
35:04I mean, I was never pregnant.
35:07And I wanted to pee so much.
35:10Never even had a miscarriage.
35:14And all the time, there was a baby there.
35:19I can't help thinking about what it would have been like if it hadn't died.
35:25I think it's probably best not to dwell on that, Mrs. Robbins.
35:29I'll see you again tomorrow.
35:34Oh, there you are, Barry.
35:35Ah, the lithopedian man.
35:37I have some students here.
35:38Is the monster available to view?
35:40Oh, yes, yes, of course.
35:41Monster?
35:43No.
35:44No, no, no.
35:44It doesn't mean what you think.
35:46It's a medical term.
35:47It's outdated and they shouldn't be using it.
35:49Oh.
35:52Did you see it?
35:53Did you see Maud's?
35:59What did he look like?
36:02Like a baby.
36:04Oh.
36:05Oh.
36:07Oh.
36:08Oh.
36:13That looks interesting, sister.
36:15It's just a simple congee rice porridge.
36:17I thought it might tempt Christopher to eat.
36:21Something familiar and easy to digest.
36:25I'll take it to him this evening.
36:27With your permission, of course.
36:29You have it.
36:30You have been a great friend and support to Christopher and his illness.
36:34No one could have done more.
36:35I feel I could have, sister.
36:38I'm the one with the language, with the knowledge of his culture.
36:41I feel there's so much more I could have done if I'd have spent more time with him.
36:46But you have had other duties, sister Veronica.
36:51Yes.
36:55Come on.
36:57Come on, mate.
36:59I know.
37:00Come on.
37:03Come on.
37:06Oi.
37:07Oi, get away.
37:08Oi.
37:10Sorry.
37:11He's friendly.
37:14Come on, Rufus.
37:16Come on, Rufus.
37:17Come on.
37:26Yes, I will.
37:29Yes, goodbye.
37:32I've been speaking to Great Ormond Street.
37:35Christopher's chemotherapy medication is in powder form.
37:38And it's portable.
37:40It could be administered at the British Army Hospital in Hong Kong.
37:44Great Ormond Street would liaise with Major Bear.
37:47So if Christopher goes, he wouldn't come back.
37:54It's the best solution, Sheila.
37:57For Christopher.
37:58Yes.
38:00Yes, it is.
38:01Pam?
38:08Pam?
38:09Pam?
38:10Shh.
38:11Mum, Lisa's sleeping.
38:13There's been a sight in Epping Forest.
38:16Poor Mrs. Robbins was very distressed.
38:19I'm not surprised.
38:20It was disgraceful language to use.
38:22This whole thing seems such a cruel twist of fate.
38:25And she wanted a baby so much.
38:26Her body clung to this one child for all these years to keep it safe.
38:32Because she could not bear to lose it.
38:37I'll freshen the pot.
38:38Child is born with a prejudiced mind.
38:56He only learns what he sees and what is taught to him.
39:01Think about your children, mother, help all mankind.
39:07Don't let the weight of hate weigh the world down.
39:23Here we are in this world together.
39:26We were meant to live with each other.
39:29Tell the child the truth, it's your own son.
39:32And everybody know about freedom.
39:34About children.
39:37Sleep, sleep.
39:39Love, love, love.
39:41Time and love, love.
39:44That long way to go.
39:47Then you gotta get there fast.
39:49It's a shame it ever had to be.
39:52But we haven't changed the past.
39:54Think about your children, mother.
39:57Save all mankind.
40:00Don't let the weight of hate weigh the world down.
40:04I have something to tell you.
40:20And I've got something to tell you.
40:22All right.
40:24You go first.
40:25I booked a hotel for York.
40:27I hope you like it.
40:28I know I will.
40:29I'll be with you.
40:30It's very central, near the Minster.
40:33It has a lovely restaurant that does a dinner dance on Saturday night.
40:37Well, that sounds perfect.
40:39I'm glad you think so.
40:42And I got the last two rooms with views of the river.
40:46Two rooms?
40:47What?
40:51Two rooms?
40:53Cyril!
40:54Sorry?
40:55I don't understand.
40:57It's been more than a year.
40:59And you're almost divorced.
41:02And when you ask a woman, not a girl, Cyril.
41:05An independent, modern woman who loves you to go away for the weekend.
41:10And then you book two rooms.
41:13How do you think that's going to make her feel?
41:15I didn't want to assume.
41:16Assume, Cyril!
41:18Assume!
41:19If you don't start assuming soon, I think I'm going to blow up.
41:22I'm a bit at sixes and sevens, I'm afraid, Sister Veronica.
41:52I'm not surprised, Mrs. Robbins.
41:54You've had a very difficult time.
41:56It's churned up a few old feelings for us, hasn't it, love?
42:00They called it a monster.
42:04I don't care what they meant.
42:07That's what they said.
42:09But that was our baby.
42:10The only one we'll ever have.
42:12Yes, Mrs. Robbins, it was.
42:13And they took it away to look at it and talk about it and pass it round and Lord knows what.
42:20And it's like it belongs to everyone else except us.
42:25We don't even know where it is.
42:28Oh, Mrs. Robbins, I don't like the sound of that at all.
42:31I think I'm going to have to make some telephone calls.
42:33Midwife calling.
42:57Another cup of tea, gents.
42:59I'll get you one too, Sister.
43:03They're still searching in Epping Forest.
43:06They could be there for days.
43:18Kenny?
43:19Why did you have to go off and leave me?
43:23Why did you go do that?
43:25It wasn't supposed to turn out like this.
43:27Kenny, where's Colin?
43:29We were so happy when Lisa was born, remember?
43:35Yes, Kenny, we were really happy.
43:41Yeah, we were.
43:43We had a lot of really good times.
43:49I thought we were a happy little family.
43:53Kenny, is Colin with you?
43:54Yes.
43:57Our little mate.
44:05He's been with me longer than he ever was with you, hasn't he?
44:09Okay, is he all right?
44:15No, Pam.
44:15I don't think he is.
44:19What do you mean, Kenny?
44:20What's wrong with him?
44:23Mr Shields, this is Sister Catherine.
44:26Can you describe Colin's condition, please?
44:28Is he breathing?
44:31Yeah.
44:33He doesn't cry anymore.
44:34Mr Shields, where are you?
44:44I heard the ice cream done.
44:47Mr Shields!
44:48King Street.
44:50Mr Shields, stay here, please, please.
44:52I'm sorry, mate.
45:05I'm sorry, mate.
45:05I'm sorry.
45:09I'm sorry.
45:18I'm sorry.
45:18I'm sorry.
45:20I'm sorry.
45:30Godda Guru.
45:31The Lithopedian, the stone baby,
45:59has been preserved in the archives
46:02of King's College Medical School.
46:04Have they labelled it a monster?
46:07Absolutely not.
46:09Can we see it?
46:12Well, that isn't usually advised
46:14when the foetus has died, Mrs Robbins.
46:16It might be terribly upsetting.
46:19It's terribly upsetting anyway, Sister Veronica.
46:22Yes. Yes, it is.
46:25We'd like to go.
46:29Then I'm sure that can be arranged.
46:36District for Eumers, Gifford.
46:39The hospital reports that baby Colin is out of danger.
46:42He has responded well to antibiotics,
46:45his hydration has returned to normal,
46:47and in the past few days,
46:48he's even managed to put on a little weight.
46:50Oh, that is good news.
46:52And his eyesight, will it be normal?
46:54I'm afraid it's too early to say.
46:57But his response to treatment has to be a good sign.
47:00And your role in his recovery, Sister,
47:02is something to be commended.
47:07I'm just relieved we're not looking at a charge of manslaughter.
47:09Fell touch and go for a bit there.
47:10Everyone's with you.
47:11If we meet again, I hope it's in happier circumstances.
47:15It certainly won't be because another baby's gone missing
47:17from this place.
47:18I can promise you that.
47:20Shall we?
47:26You wanted to see me, Sister?
47:28Yes.
47:28I have had news from Sister Hilda.
47:31The cormorant has been convicted of drug dealing and racketeering
47:34and has been sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison.
47:37So Christopher will be safe?
47:40Yes.
47:40And Patrick and I will make the arrangements
47:43for his travel back to Hong Kong.
47:46I see.
47:47Sister, we can't go with him.
47:50We have three children at home
47:52who are going to miss Christopher very much.
47:56Would you take him?
47:57I know you have a special bond.
48:01Do I have your permission, Sister Julia?
48:04Not only do you have my permission, Sister Veronica,
48:08you have my blessing.
48:09It's just here.
48:28Quite a place.
48:30Whenever you're ready.
48:39I don't look like a monster to me.
48:55No, love.
48:57Me neither.
49:00I don't look like a monster to me.
49:06No, love.
49:08But we always knew that Christopher was only staying here for a little while.
49:16And if he can be in hospital near his mummy,
49:19we think he'll get better more quickly.
49:22That's the most important thing, isn't it?
49:24Mm-hmm.
49:27Me?
49:28When I'm older, can we go to Hong Kong to find him?
49:34Yes.
49:37Another ounce.
49:38Well done, Colin.
49:40And well done, Mum.
49:45Pam.
49:45Shall I call the police?
49:56No, it's all right.
49:57You aren't supposed to be here.
50:15No.
50:17I heard they bailed you.
50:18Why do you do it?
50:22I never tried to stop you seeing them.
50:24I mean, I'm only going to bloody Stevenage.
50:26It's not the moon.
50:27I don't know.
50:27I thought that when Colin was born, it would make it all right again.
50:33I was only going to take him overnight to show you what it felt like.
50:36And the police.
50:39And the papers.
50:43I was scared, I suppose.
50:46It just got out of hand.
50:48For God's sake, Kenny.
50:49You really going, then?
50:54Yes.
50:55Kenny, I'm really going.
51:10I'm not going to stop you from seeing your children, Kenny.
51:15But for now, it's got to be with me.
51:17All right?
51:17I'm with a social worker.
51:33I've put your suitcase in the car, sister.
51:35Thank you, Dr. Turner.
51:38Goodbye.
51:40Goodbye, dear Christopher.
51:43And get well.
51:43We made you a book of pictures, so you'll remember us, Christopher.
51:49And this is one of Teddy's toy cars.
51:51Oh, yes.
51:52And Tim sent you this from Edinburgh.
51:55Oh, I'd rather like that.
51:59Bye-bye, Christopher.
52:01I'll see you when I'm big.
52:02Often, after loss, there is no full return of joy.
52:16Reunions can be bittersweet, haunted by the thought of what there was or might have been.
52:23And yet, there will be light.
52:24And yet, there will be light.
52:26We will find other places for our love to go and settle, like a bird alighting on a branch.
52:34We are not entrusted with everything forever.
52:40Sometimes, all the love we have is not enough.
52:45Yet, surrender can be another way of giving.
52:49Not merely loss, but a letting go and setting something free.
52:54The separation hurts us, even as it heals them.
53:00But what can we do?
53:02We can do this.
53:05We can open our hands, watch them fly from our protection,
53:13spread their wings, and become a tiny speck against the sky.
53:18Even children learn this in the end.
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