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“Fish? People like fish, I mean, I like to eat ‘em, but some people like to look at them.”

“I suppose so. It’s not something I’ve ever wanted to do, you know? Go under water. I like to breathe air.” Alex chuckled. “Lots of fresh air. I don’t think I’d be very good with a dive suit and apparatus. Maybe there’s an old wreck.”

“Well,” Francine said, standing up, “you don’t have to ever worry about that, but you do have to start packing. I know what you’re like. Do you need help?”

“No, I’m all good. I’m going to go through my wardrobe tomorrow. I’ll be ready on time. Six suits and shirts and some casual wear for off time, I’ll manage.”

“Good, because you’ve only got two more weeks and then we’re off.”

“It’s Winchester. It’s literally an hour up the road.”

“Uh huh, an hour and twenty actually, and that’s only in good traffic, and once we leave, we’re not popping back for things you’ve forgotten.”

“Okay, consider me told.”

“So, you’re going away for how long?” Morgan’s mother asked as she buttered bread and slathered it with French mustard, ready for slices of ham and cheese.

“Just a few weeks, I’ll be home in time for Dad’s birthday.”

“And what is it exactly you’re doing?”

Morgan blew out her cheeks. “I told you I’ve been requested to go on tour with a musician; I can’t tell you any more than that.”

“It all sounds a little fishy. The hospital’s just letting you go?” She cut the first sandwich corner to corner and pushed the plate across towards Morgan.

“Yep.” She picked up one half and bit into the crusty edge. “They’re very happy with the deal.”

“The deal?”

“Ma, I know it all sounds…” She sighed. “I’ve signed papers, it’s all legal and above board but there are privacy issues I’m not allowed to discuss. Where is Dad anyway? I was hoping to see him.”

Mrs Kelly finished her own sandwich and wiped her hands on her apron. “He popped out to the bookies, you know he likes his bet on Saturdays.”

Morgan nodded hesitantly, because she knew full well that her dad wasn’t at the bookies. He was more likely down the pub with Gary and Rob, watching the football that her mother hated.

“Seen Mason lately?”

Her brother had a habit of popping in with his washing, despite the fact that he hadn’t lived at home for three years.

“He’s taking Alison to London to see a show she’s been wanting to see.”

“Mason?” Morgan almost laughed. Her brother and culture didn’t go hand in hand at all; he was more likely to be with her dad down the pub.

Her mum chuckled. “I know. I think that Alison is a good influence on him.”

“Well, it will be nice to meet her…eventually. Is he still refusing to bring her home?” She took another bite of her sandwich.

Pursed lips told her the answer to that, but her mother answered anyway.

“Yep, you’d think he was ashamed of us or something.”

“Hardly, your daughter’s a doctor.” She smirked.

“And very proud of you we are too.”

“I know you are,” Morgan mumbled.

Her mum studied her for a moment. “Do you? Cos we are. Sometimes, I think you doubt that. The day you went to medical school was the proudest day of my life.”