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