Original subtitles

Where's Charlotte? Come on. Outside.

GUNSHOT

FIRE ALARM RINGS

(woman screams)

Where is she?

What? Charlotte.

Tell me where she is.

I have to go, Greg. Okay, I'm going.

GREG: (bellows) Charlotte?!!

Charlotte?!

Greg?

Oh, my God. GLASS SHATTERS

Miss Regina! Morris, don't!

LOUD GUNSHOTS

Don't go in there!

Oi, she's not here!

She's not here!

LOUD GUNSHOT

Charlotte?!!

SERIES OF LOUD GUNSHOTS

Greg, stop it!!

Greg?

I've got something to give ya.

I don't need any more presents.

Yeah, you need this one.

Don't do this.

(sobs)

LOUD GUNSHOT

(anguished cry)

DRAMATIC MUSIC

Nelson.

(sobs) Please don't say anything.

Please don't say anything.

Don't say...

GRIM MUSIC

FOOTSTEPS ECHO

CHILLING MUSIC

ECHO OF GUNSHOTS

(sighs)

We have to move forward from this.

So, what did you want to talk about?

I'll be honest with you, Terri.

There are people that think the ward should be closed.

But this ward is vital to this hospital.

It's old. It's rundown.

The facilities aren't up to scratch,

and patients may have a problem coming here after what's happened.

Julia, these things can be fixed...

..and people forget.

Let me tell you, I'm doing my best.

I'm trying to drum up support with the Board,

but at the end of the day... I can't promise anything.

I'm afraid I have to tell you that Ward 17 is effectively on notice.

THEME MUSIC

PHONE RINGS

Ah, Nelson, please?

Ward 17.

Yeah, I'll let her know as soon as I see her.

Ward 17. Yes?

BUZZER BLARES

Yep, that's mine.

I'm trying to get a temp to cover for Regina today.

Someone should tell the switchboard we're full up.

What are you doing here?

There's no point staying at home.

You're not well enough to work.

I'm fine - the bullet went in one side and out the other.

It didn't even hit bone.

Thank God for love handles, eh?

We can manage without you.

Yeah, right.

You know what I mean.

Look, Terri, I'll be fine on light duties, honestly.

If I see you lifting or carrying anything heavy, you're out of here.

BUZZER BLARES

Give them some space.

Come on, off you go.

How'd it happen? BOY: He's gonna cry.

I slipped and hit my head on the wall.

LAUGHTER

Really?

That's enough, gentlemen.

You need a couple of stitches. We'll take you to All Saints.

BOYS: Poor baby!

I'll ring your parents, Cameron, and let them know where you are.

Out of my way, boys. Move.

Cameron, lie down on the trolley - just bring your leg round.

BOYS JEER

Get his number, mate.

DERISIVE CALLS CONTINUE

George, will you move out of here?

Hey, boosi poofter.

You up for a good time?

Yeah, Blondie, it's you I'm talking to.

Right you lot, inside now. Come on.

Something about men in uniform, eh, boys?

Do it in the back of the ambulance. LAUGHTER

Grow up.

What'd you say, pillow muncher? Oooh!

I said, "Grow up".

Come on, George - principal's office now.

Come on, the rest of you inside. Shut up!

Come on, inside! The principal's office.

Tell me we were never like that in high school.

Jeez, I hope not.

(loud groan)

Run! Go!

Shit!

Call for back up.

What's your name, sir?

Ray Carroll.

Ray, it looks like you've been stabbed.

Is there a bed ready in five?

Ah, thirty seconds.

Ward 17.

Ah, Mrs Manson is in eight.

Julia, we need a ward clerk.

You're four patients down. The nurses can cover.

We can't... Make it work.

Given the situation I mentioned,

it'd be better if you didn't hire extra staff.

We cannot make... I am trying to help you here.

What you need to do right now is keep a low profile

and manage what you have.

Then nobody can point the finger.

What was that about?

Sorry.

Okay, look.

Sterling.

(sighs)

They want to close us down.

Julia does?

No, she's trying to keep us open.

That's unbelievable - after all this, they kick us in the teeth.

So in the meantime?

In the meantime she thinks we should look like we're coping,

so that means no ward clerk, I'm sorry.

What are the chances of this happening?

Well, no-one's responded

to the maintenance requests for Room 4, have they?

Okay, who do we take it to? No-one.

PHONE RINGS

We just have to get on with it,

so I'll keep you informed. Ward 17?

Cheeky boy!

This is Vera Reeves, 46... Hey, shhh!

Fractured her left wrist.

She's up for a reduction and fixation of a radial fracture.

IV fluids and nil by mouth.

Cardiology review pre op due to history of cardiomyopathy.

Cardiology review pre op due to history of cardiomyopathy. Who are you? I'm Nelson, I'm

Who are you? I'm Nelson, I'm looking after you.

Watch out, I'm a handful. I'm warning you.

Oh, one minute, guys.

It's okay, Nelson.

I'll do it.

Reg, what are you doing here? You're on leave.

I know, but I had a feeling you might need me, and I was right.

PHONE RINGS

I'll just grab that. Reg, no...

Terri, it's okay, I'm on top of it, really.

Now that I'm here with you guys,

I feel a lot better than I did alone at home.

Believe me.

Ward 17, Regina speaking?

Can I help you?

TAPE RECORDED VOICE OF CHARLOTTE:

" I was scared. I was shaking. I could feel my knees going.

"I just kept thinking,

"You know, he's already...

..shot people."

"It never occurred to me

he was going to put the gun to his own head."

"I didn't even register what had happened until I saw...

..his blood splattered on my shirt."

ECHOEY GUNSHOT

"All I could think was...

..(SIGHS) thank God. It's over."

Okay...

..so how do you feel now listening to it this time?

Much the same.

Part of me wishing I'd seen some signs.

I had a lot to do with Greg and I knew he had problems,

but nothing like that.

So you feel a sense of guilt?

I feel a sense of regret, of course I do.

But in the end it's a 'what if'.

What if I hadn't been friendly to him?

What if he hadn't have fixated on me?

Medicine teaches you that, in the end,

what if's are futile, so...

Okay.

What do you feel?

I just...I just told you.

Not how you feel.

I'm not...beating myself up,

if that's what you're after.

If there had been clear signs,

If there had been clear signs, I think I'd have seen them.

I think I'd have seen them.

Pretty sure?

So not certain?

I'm sorry, Rob,

I don't think we're going to get any more out of this.

You're not here for an intellectual debriefing, Charlotte.

No, I'm not, I'm here because I have to be here,

and I think I've dealt with my emotional reaction to what happened.

and I think I've dealt with my emotional reaction to what happened. Then why can't you tell me

Then why can't you tell me about it?

Well, some things are better with me coming to them on my own.

You have to address the situation before you can move on.

Um...

I have patients to see.

Thank you.

LUKE: BP's 108 on 60. Pulse 110.

He's still hyperventilating.

Sean, we'll need an ECG once you've finished there.

How's he doing?

We'll see in theatre. Did you see what happened?

There were a lot of kids, could've been any one.

There were a lot of kids, could've been any one. The police will want to talk to you.

The police will want to talk to you.

Mr Carroll, did you see who stabbed you.

(muffled) No.

No, they were just mucking around.

It was an accident.

I got in the way.

Okay, Sean, we'll need bloods, portable chest and abdo x-ray.

And can you find me a resident.

Can I help?

That'd be great.

Full bloods. Cross match for four units.

I'll get that ECG.

Yeah, and five of morph. Thanks.

Mr Carroll, I'm going to take a look at the wound,

and then we'll take you to theatre, have a better look,

and we can repair any damage.

Look, can we keep this quiet, please?

You don't want anyone to know you were stabbed?

It was an accident. These kids have enough trouble

without the police breathing down their necks.

Let me get this right.

These "kids" were carrying a knife in the school playground?

Not as a weapon.

Something to show off.

You know what kids are like at this age.

I'm sorry, but any incident like this has to be reported.

It's out of our hands.

(foreign accent) They're cutting my arm open.

(foreign accent) They're cutting my arm open. Why can't they just knock me out?

Why can't they just knock me out?

You're considered an anaesthetic risk because of your heart condition.

When was your last cardiac echo?

A couple of months ago.

What were the results?

I can't remember.

Vera, you have a heart condition.

You have cardiomyopathy.

You've got to manage it.

You've been very careless.

Tomorrow I can get run over by a bus or die of botulism,

or...get killed by terrorists...

If a heart transplant comes up you may not be considered.

I'm not interested in someone else's heart.

Or for them to die so I can live.

How do you feel most of the time?

Okay.

A bit breathless,

but that's all.

What's your secret?

If it feels good, do it. (chuckles)

Travel, bad men, good food, and wine.

A bit of dope, an odd ciggie.

What does your cardiologist say? Not impressed.

But what can he do?

(giggles)

(laughs)

I'll get this to Dr Beaumont. She'll be in soon.

Okay.

Sorry about the hold up. I'll put you through now.

Thank you.

Hi, Ward 17. Regina here, can I help you?

Yes, he's in surgery at the moment.

Can you get that to the lab please?

I can pass on a message. Mmm-hmm.

Ward 17, Regina.

Yeah...

I'm-I'm fine.

Thank you for asking.

We are a bit short handed,

could you send someone to collect them?

Terri, do we have Vera's ECG?

Yes, we do. She's an interesting one.

Yes, we do. She's an interesting one. Why's that? Doesn't want a transplant.

Why's that? Doesn't want a transplant.

Admits to smoking, drinking and taking drugs.

Oh, let's check her out.

PHONE RINGS Ward 17, Regina speaking.

Hey, are you in pain? No, I'm fine.

Hey? Hey?

I'm not lifting or lugging.

I'm just making beds.

I said no heavy duties.

If I can't make the odd bed...

Just check the resuss trolley, please.

I'd like my mother moved to another ward.

She's not very comfortable here.

Just a moment.

Sorry, that's correct.

I spoke to somebody about this on the phone.

It's no secret what happened here.

Can you please wait?

Flowers for a Mrs Langley.

DISTURBING, MINOR-KEY MUSIC

Will you just wait? I was here first.

What are you gonna do about my mother?

And what about these flowers?

So, how'd you break your wrist?

Walking home from a friend's, down by the bay.

There is this stone wall,

runs along the sand.

I know it.

Midnight, moonlight.

I was imagining what it would be like to be a tightrope walker.

Can you just turn to your right, please?

Climbed mountains, never broke a bone.

That's a dangerous pastime.

These days I make do with cliffs and ropes.

Have dinner with me next week, I'll tell you all about it.

Sorry, I'm, uh...scared of heights.

I could hold your hand.

All the way to the bottom?

And beyond.

(chuckles)

Would you sit forward for me, please?

So many men. So little time.

If you slowed down a little, you could have more time.

You mean in exchange for a few extra years?

Slowing down doesn't necessarily mean boring.

It does to me.

That's what dying is, slowing.

Grinding to a halt.

Not always.

Sometimes dying involves speeding up and then just stopping.

That's what I'd like to do.

I'm not sure if I really like her,

or if I think a complete pain in the arse.

I think the latter.

I think maybe both.

I reckon she'll be begging for a heart transplant

when the time comes. Cynic.

Yep, the message is here.

Yes, I will make sure she gets it.

PHONE RINGS

Ward 17. Can I help you?

Um... ALARM BUZZER BLARES

Where's Reg?

Where's Reg? Out of earshot, apparently.

Out of earshot, apparently.

Do you want me to get that?

He's not back. Can I take a message?

What's going on?

We seem to be without a ward clerk again.

MUFFLED SOBS

POIGNANT MUSIC

Regina.

Regina...

Oh, gosh.

I'm so sorry. It's okay.

I went past and the door was open,

and I just...

I came in and...(sighs)

It's okay.

I'm...I'm gonna be okay.

I'm...I'm gonna be okay. It was a...you know...

It was a...you know...

It was...it was a bad moment.

It was...it was a bad moment. And I just didn't want anybody to see. (sobs)

And I just didn't want anybody to see. (sobs)

It's alright.

It's alright.

(cries) God.

How do you...

How do you... How...how do you get through it?

How...how do you get through it?

It's okay.

How do you get through it?

How did you get through it?

(sniffles)

I added an extra sugar, so you tell me if it's too sweet.

Thank you.

Mmm.

No, it's good.

Have you been eating, Reg?

When I have to.

Sleeping?

Nah.

Did you go to counselling?

Yeah. Once.

But I didn't see how it could help,

But I didn't see how it could help, because he wasn't here, was he?

because he wasn't here, was he?

How could he understand?

So I just thought if I kept busy,

then I...

You know, I wouldn't have time to think.

We can't heal if we're exhausted, Reg.

(sniffles)

Hey, how about I get a cab to take you home?

See, that's the thing.

I don't actually...

I don't want to be...

..at home by myself.

What about your sister's house?

Oh...but you're my family.

All of you.

Oh, I think we all feel that way at the moment.

Hey, you take your time.

Back in a minute.

(sighs)

I don't want to leave you in the lurch.

No, you'd be doing me a favour. Okay.

I'm sorry.

Nelson, I'm going to send Sterling home,

so we'll be one down.

We'll be alright.

This is just a little something to help you sleep.

You promise me that you'll take it. Yes.

Reg? I was wondering if you could help me out.

That's what I'm here for.

I'm sending Sterling home,

because he really shouldn't be here yet.

I thought I'd be okay on light duties, but I'm not.

I don't trust him to do nothing on his own

so I was wondering how you feel

about doing a bit of voluntary home care.

You want me to look after Sterlo?

Oh, I can go to the toilet and stuff on my own.

Good.

What about the desk?

Oh, we'll get a temp.

You'd be doing us a big favour.

He's been getting under foot. Ah...

Listen, I know it's a lot to ask.

Oh, no, I'm more than happy to help.

Sterlo, sit. I'll get your things.

If someone could call me a cab, please?

I'll get a wheelchair.

That's a good idea, Regina.

Post op. He's yours for Room 2, Paula.

Plus two more on the way.

I'm gonna get an agency nurse.

CEO said no.

She's not running the ward, is she?

Ray Carroll post op stab wound to the stomach.

This is Paula, she'll look after you.

Great.

Room 2.

You were lucky, Ray, the knife just nicked your small intestine.

Probably doesn't feel too lucky right now.

Could've been worse.

No big deal.

Well, hopefully not.

We oversewed the bowel and did a peritoneal washout.

I've written him up for IV antibiotics

and fluids once that last bag of bloods runs through.

Regular NG aspirates, one to two hourly?

Until bowel sounds return.

And keep an eye on his BP. Mmm-hmm.

And keep an eye on his BP. Mmm-hmm. Room 8 when you have a minute, Paula.

Room 8 when you have a minute, Paula.

There's two cops wanting a word with Mr Carroll.

No. No, I won't speak to them.

They said if he was unavailable, they'd like to talk to you.

No, you can't.

It's okay. I'll deal with it, alright?

Vera's ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

Could be a risk doing a general.

From her last Echo results,

her ventricular function has decreased.

She's not handling her condition. She smokes and drinks.

She's not a chain smoking alcoholic.

She's just made a choice.

And do you think it's a good choice? Well, no, but it's her call.

That's all I'm saying.

I better have a word to her before I weigh in on this one.

(clears throat)

Ah...can I help you?

We just wanted to see our teacher, Mr Carroll.

Mr Carroll's not able to see anyone just yet.

So, when can we see him?

Not for a while. Maybe you can leave a message.

He would appreciate it. We'll wait.

It's not convenient for you to wait.

It could be a long while.

I'm staying.

We're busy today, boys.

Tripping over ourselves actually.

I'll show you to the canteen and you can come back later.

Thanks, Nelson. It's okay.

I'm here for a broken wrist, nothing else.

Vera, I've had to adjust your medication,

because your blood pressure is actually pretty high,

so, um, I've increased your Ramipril.

You're also gonna need to be reviewed by your cardiologist again.

You know, you're at some major risk.

I heard what happened here,

on this ward.

I'm sorry?

The shooting.

You were all at major risk yourselves.

Yeah, that's right.

Everybody's at major risk.

Life is a major risk.

Yeah, I suppose so.

Risk's everything.

What would you say if I asked you to pull the curtain around

and have sex with me right now.

Ah...I'd say I'm busy.

I imagine Finsdale High would be a challenge.

Oh, I reach a few.

I give them a love of books and ideas...

Are we right for a word now?

I told them to tell you there's no need...

We'll be talking to all the students.

I'd like to hear your point of view.

It's up to you, Ray.

There's nothing to tell.

I tripped.

I didn't even know I was injured

until the ambo saw blood.

You were stabbed.

It was an accident.

What? A kid just happened to have a knife in his hand when you tripped?

Is that what you're saying?

Ray shouldn't get stressed.

If you're worried about them coming after you, Ray,

we can make sure that doesn't happen.

I can't help you. I told you.

(breathless) Accidents happen.

We're talking about attempted murder.

Maybe you should come back later.

Ray, slow your breathing down.

Sure. But then we'll need to talk about the truth.

Or don't they teach that in schools anymore?

(ragged breaths)

(strains)

Oh. Are you sure you're comfy?

You wouldn't feel better in bed?

I can't have you seeing me in my jarmies.

I'll take your temperature,

to see if you're coming down with anything.

Ah, ah, ah...

..36.9. Spot on.

Can I get you something?

A cup of tea? Coffee? Some bikkies?

Reg? Yeah?

Reg, why don't you just sit down.

I'll find us a midday movie.

Or we could just...talk.

Talk. Yeah.

That's a good idea.

We could talk about anything and everything.

Whatever you like.

Yeah, talking is actually very good for the soul.

(both sigh)

What did you want to talk about?

Um...

Well...

..nothing, really.

Well, why did you say you did?

I'm trying my best here, Sterlo.

If you don't want to talk,

let's just watch the TV.

(turns TV on)

Reg?

Reg? What?

I tell you what I wouldn't mind.

What?

A nice cup of hot chocolate.

Good.

Hot chocolate. Okay.

Hot chocolate, and I'll see if we've got some bikkies.

I thought you wanted to keep this ward running.

I thought you wanted to keep this ward running. You're talking about me hiring an agency n

You're talking about me hiring an agency nurse?

Yes. If I'd been greeted by chaos, I'd have understood.

My staff are taking turns covering the front desk.

That's not their job.

Besides, I thought my budget was my business.

Not now, it's not.

I'm three nurses down. What do you expect me to do?

Why am I not getting through to you?

It's about patient safety.

You don't think that's my concern?

Julia, I need staff!

I strongly recommend you call and cancel the booking.

You are undermining my ward. Don't be ridiculous.

I don't know why you're making things difficult for me.

I am trying to show the Board that you can operate efficiently.

Don't make this personal, Teri, because it's not.

Hey. Hey.

I've only got fifteen minutes. That's okay.

How's my stab wound victim?

Still says it was an accident.

Should hear him - the kids love him.

Obviously - that's why they stabbed him.

So is he ready yet? Can we see him? Excuse me?

We want to see Mr Carroll.

He's still recovering from surgery.

How long are we supposed to wait?

As long as it takes.

As long as it takes. We're not talking to you.

We're not talking to you.

I'm Mr Carroll's surgeon. He's not ready for visitors.

Is that right, pussy?

THREATENING MUSIC

Big bloody girl. Come on.

Listen,

you wait here.

When and if Mr Carroll wants to see you, we might arrange it.

This is a public hospital, prick.

We'll wait where we want.

Luke, leave it.

I've asked you nicely.

And how are you gonna stop us?

Touch me and I'll have you for assault.

Here we go.

Here we go. Are you sure I can't get you

Are you sure I can't get you

something a little bit more substantial?

No, this is fine.

Lean forward.

That's it. Now, is there anything else...

You don't have to wait on me, Reg.

I'm not an invalid.

I know.

You don't really need me here, Sterlo, not physically.

And I know Terri just wanted me here to keep you company.

Yeah.

You figured it out.

So, keep me company.

EMOTIONAL MUSIC

Being on the ward after... what happened,

that can be very upsetting.

Yeah.

Yeah, it can.

But you mustn't blame yourself.

No-one else does.

Well, I...I don't.

Because it's hard, it's HARD not to think,

"If only I'd done this, or if only I'd done that".

I know. But you did everything you could.

You're a hero.

No.

No, Reg, I've never been more scared in my life.

You were the one...

Sterlo, that's okay.

It's alright for a man to admit to being scared.

Reg?

You know, if you want to talk about you, it's okay.

Your laundry basket is completely overflowing,

so I'll just - I'll go and pop on a load.

Reg?

Reg!

Okay, Ray, if you need me, just press this button.

THREATENING MUSIC

I don't want you two in here.

We're just visiting our teacher.

It's alright, Paula.

This is George and Goran. They're in my Year 10 class.

This is George and Goran. They're in my Year 10 class. They're doing well, both of them.

They're doing well, both of them.

Might even make it into Year 11.

You don't have to stay.

I have to write in Mr Carroll's chart.

So we're just wondering, Mr Carroll,

the cops been to see you yet?

Ray, are you sure you don't want me to call...

No, Paula, it's alright.

The boys just want to know what's going on.

Yes, I've spoken to the police.

The hospital has to report these things apparently.

What did you tell them?

Nothing. Really...

I just told them I...

There were some boys fooling around...

Did you mention any names?

He said it was an accident. Don't upset my patient.

Are we upsetting you, sir?

No.

See.

So, did you mention any names?

No.

That's good then. Meaning what?

Somebody give you permission to speak, bitch?

Okay, right that's it. Get out!

I'm calling Security.

So, you're gonna do the right thing for us, hey?

You are, aren't you?

Hey!

I'm gonna have to ask you to leave or I'll call Security,

and report you to the police for assault.

That wasn't assault, that was a love tap.

What happened to your poofter boyfriend?

Run away? Get out.

You going to make us?

I am tired now, boys, I need a rest.

You look after yourself now, sir.

Wouldn't want anything to happen to you.

Yeah, see you, sir.

Bye, bitches.

What a shit hole.

Call the boys in one day and trash it, yeah?

Yeah.

TERRI: Security, please?

TERRI: Security, please? Uh! LOUD CRASH

Uh! LOUD CRASH

Hey, hey!

Get out, you bloody idiots. I'll sue.

Get out of here!

I could've broken my leg.

No, they're just going,

bu you should know in case they come back.

Yeah, right, thanks.

You'd think they'd rush up here after what happened.

Minutes of the hospital Board meeting.

Alright, thanks.

As exciting as reading the phone book.

Charlotte?

Oh.

You okay?

I'm fine. Why are you all asking me that?

It's driving me crazy.

We're asking because we're concerned.

You went through a hell of a lot.

Well, I'm over it now.

Okay?

And the talk with the shrink? Oh...

That been okay? Waste of time.

I fulfilled my requirements set down by HR, so it's done.

You've gone through the motions, you mean?

You forget, Charlotte, I know you.

There is no evidence to say

reliving a trauma will help you recover from it.

And there is no evidence to suggest otherwise.

We have a non-argument.

Thank you for being concerned, but I'm fine.

(breathless) I feel a bit funny.

Anxious.

Is that normal?

Well, you're probably not as relaxed about the operation

as you thought you were.

Yeah, all this...

..slicing and drilling.

I've got a bit of pain here...

(choking sounds)

FRANTIC MUSIC

Vera, can you hear me?

Cardiac arrest. Lift 18, between three and four.

Have a crash cart ready.

I need you, Von.

Just hold that.

FRANTIC MUSIC CONTINUES

One, two, three, four, five.

One, two, three, four, five. LIFT DINGS

LIFT DINGS

One, two, three, four, five.

One, two, three, four, five.

One, two, three, four, five.

DISTANT SIRENS

Vera just arrested in the lift.

Is she alright?

Well, she's alive.

The cardiologist is inserting an IABP.

Okay, thanks.

Hey, well done.

Oh, yeah...well done.

Are they sending her to ICU?

No beds. Going to HDU until Coronary Care have a bed.

Well, we could swap her with Ray Carroll.

Come on, I'll give you a hand.

What happened to the agency nurse?

Ah, it seemed like a good idea to cancel.

PHONE RINGS

Good idea for whom?

Ward 17. Terri Sullivan speaking.

(sighs)

Yes, I'll put you through.

HEART MONITOR PULSES

(mumbles)

You're going to be fine, Vera.

We've looked at your angiogram.

We've inserted an Intra Aortic Balloon pump

that's going to allow your heart to rest,

and attempt to recover.

It's only temporary, but it'll sort you out for the time being.

She's going to be put on the transplant list now?

If she agrees to it.

You know, she doesn't like the idea of having someone else's heart.

I've heard people say that.

They tend to change their mind, when it comes to the crunch.

They all love me. Respect me.

As you can see.

So, why do you let them treat you like that?

That's the way it is.

It's the same in school.

There's no teaching any more.

It's just about crowd control. I'm a warder.

Why do it?

I'm nearly 55. What else am I gonna do?

I used to love it once, but...

Your family? What do they think?

I divorced years ago.

Kids have grown up. Got their own lives.

Friends?

Chalkies.

On Friday night at the pub, we talk about school.

I sound pathetic.

Why don't you tell the police what happened?

You don't understand. I have to go back there!

Can you imagine what it would be like if I dobbed them in?

My life won't be worth living.

So you let them get away with it?

Look,

I get my super in a few years time.

The old State super - worth its weight in gold.

I can't throw that away.

I just have to sit it out.

PHONE RINGS

Ward 17.

Is he going to tell the police who it was?

Nup. He's copping out.

Says he has to look after his own interests.

And he calls himself a teacher. Okay.

Um, that was Julia.

She would like to see you in her office now.

There you go.

Terri, I'm sorry, I don't have much time.

Oh, I just wanted to know what you were doing.

I'm sorry?

(sighs)

Well, who is trying to close down my ward, Julia?

As I told you, the Board have been briefed...

I have the minutes from the Board meeting right here.

Now, let's see.

Quote, "The ward is run down".

"It poses a real threat and a danger to staff and patients alike."

"The cost of rebuilding and refurbishing

would in our opinion not be worth it."

Yes.

That's the architect's report.

I was referring to it, Terri.

"Dr Julia Archer was then asked to give her comment."

Quote, "Given the architect's statements

and my knowledge of the facilities and conditions in Ward 17,

it is my opinion that the ward is no longer viable.

And my advice to the Board is to close it down

as soon as is practical."

(sighs)

I thought you were on our side.

Terri...

I know how attached you are to the place.

I suppose I was just trying to let you down gently.

I'm...I'm really sorry.

But it's finished.

No, it's not.

And you know why?

I have a meeting.

Because I'm going to fight you every step of the way.

I'll get submissions from the surgeons,

the operating theatres, Intensive Care,

and everyone who relies on Ward 17 being open.

You do what you think is right, Terri.

I will and I won't go behind your back to do it.

Oh, good, you're all here.

Listen, I just want a second, okay?

I...I want to... I want to thank you all

for coming back here today.

Because your support is incredible

and I know how hard it is.

Come on, it's our job.

Okay, listen, what I said to you this morning

about the ward closing...

That seems unlikely in the near future.

So, after some maintenance work in Room 4, and that will happen,

it's business as usual.

What's changed?

Oh, let's just say that the lay of the land's a lot clearer now.

Okay...

I think Cougars tonight.

My shout. One drink.

PAULA: Good on you, Terri.

HEART MONITOR PULSES

Vera?

We're gonna be tweaking your drugs while you recover, okay?

Whatever you think is necessary.

Anything else to do?

You could try and change.

So you brought me back to life to tell me to stop living?

Is there a need to push the limits all of the time?

You never pushed your limit?

It's not my life we're talking about.

Exactly.

So what's your problem?

Sorry?

It's my life, my death.

It wasn't easy, but I faced my demons.

Everybody needs to face their demons.

Okay, the washing's in and there's frozen pizza for dinner.

But I'm more than happy to stay and cook.

Oh, no, no, Reg.

You've done quite enough for one day.

You know, for a ward clerk, you make a pretty good nurse.

I know they're in here.

I know they're in here, because I put them in here.

You want me to look? No.

I'm not stupid.

Everyone thinks I am, but I'm not!

You know what else?

You know what else I think?

I think Terri wanted me to come and look after you

to get me out of the hospital.

No, Reg. No, she...

Yes. Yes!

Okay, yeah, she did. Yeah.

Because she's worried about you.

No, because she thinks I'm hopeless!

And you know... No-one...

And you know... No-one... No, listen to me. None of this needed to happen!

No, listen to me. None of this needed to happen!

What happened with Greg. None of it had to happen!

Reg... No, It didn't have to happen!

Reg... No, you listen to me.

It could've all been different.

If I hadn't gone into work that day!

There are some things...

And Morris - if bloody Morris hadn't come into work that day...

I know...Reg?

..I'd still have him. I know.

I know, Reg.

(weeps)

I miss him so much.

Reg, I'm so sorry.

Oh, my God, I miss him so much.

I miss him so... (sobs)

EERIE MUSIC

DOOR CREAKS

CHARLOTTE'S VOICE FROM TAPE: I took him into the tea room.

I was scared,

shaking.

I could feel my knees going...

I just kept thinking,

"You know, he's already...shot people",

but it never occurred to me

he was gonna put the gun to his own head.

I didn't even register what had happened

until I saw his blood splattered on my shirt.

And all I could think was,

"Thank God.

It's over.

(sobs)

Thank God it's over."

(cries harder)