SHE SIGHS
I thought you were going shopping.
Hello? We've got no...
Doughnuts?
I got them from work. Nice.
No, you have them.
What about you?
I'll get something later.
Dad! Have you seen my blue scrunchie anywhere?
What happened to you? It's for my hair. Have you seen it or not?
You look like you've had an electric shock. You're not funny.
What's the name of that fella who was really good?
Ken Dodd. Honestly, you should change your shampoo, love!
Yeah, well, I have, haven't I? To washing-up liquid.
All I can smell is lemons. You look like a bit of a lemon, an' all.
Yeah, well, I feel like one!
I actually hate you.
HE LAUGHS
Look, you're not coming out with me looking like that.
Why? Where are we going? Oh! Here.
Well, go on, get your skates on. All right.
See you, Mum.
Have a good day, love.
Erm...
Can we have doughnuts every day, please?
If they've got them.
I love you.
You've got a dinner left for tonight, yeah?
No. I haven't. Where is it?
I-I was hungry.
Nora, that's all I had left.
You said you were going shopping.
And I won't be back till 11.
Mum, it's not my fault.
I'm not saying it is, love. I can't even get to sleep,
I'm that hungry. I just feel sick all the time.
I'm sorry.
So what am I going to have?
I'll sort something out. You said that yesterday.
I know. I know.
So what are you going to do?
I'll go to the bank.
And leave me some money on the side?
Come on, you'll be late. Do you promise? Go!
Go! I'm going!
DOOR SHUTS
There. Happy now?
Oh, about time.
So, where are we going?
You'll find out. No, just tell me.
Well, first thing, we're going to get some grub. Really?
Yeah. So get your coat on.
Rob's in court. I thought he was on compassionate leave.
He's got to give evidence. Couldn't get out of it.
How is she? Yeah, she's pretty good. But you know what Karen's like -
she says she's enjoying the rest, but I can't see it lasting.
Yeah, well, especially if she's got too much time on her hands.
Any chance you could see her? Maybe your lunch break?
I can't. I'm on the drop-in clinic today. What about Sid?
Mm. Yeah. Good idea. OK.
Yeah, I know it's short notice.
Well, I'm sorry, Mr Jenkins, but there's not much I can do.
I'll have to take her to the doctor's, that's all.
Yeah, I'll be there. As soon as I can.
Thanks.
CHATTER
SHE SIGHS
Sorry.
Luca! Listen, I've just checked out the venue for the digital literacy
group... Right... ..thinking I'll go along soon to volunteer.
Whereabouts? Community centre. Fancy coming along? Yeah, I'm up for it.
Great! Great, great, great, great.
Well, I'll tell you what, erm, we will organise a time for next week.
Yeah? OK. Cool. I need a favour, mate. What's up?
Any chance you could pop and see Karen when you're out? Is she OK?
Yeah, but she's going to be on her own all day, so... I can't, mate.
I'm swamped. Have you asked Tash? Yeah, and Emma and Sid.
Well, I could go, if you like. Really?
Yes, why not? It'll be a nice surprise.
I thought you said we were going to a caff. No, we're going here.
You are joking, aren't you?! Look, I know, love... A food bank?!
Yeah, and we should've come sooner, truth be known. No way!
Look, Dad, I've told you... We can't be proud. Look at us!
Dad, a food bank!
We've got no choice.
So that's it, is it? I've wasted my time?
I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Well, thanks very much.
For nothing! Is there a problem? Yeah. We haven't got any food,
and she won't let me have any! Why's that? I don't know. Ask her.
She says we have to be "referred".
Yes, by the council or a doctor or the DWP...
And how long's that going to take? I'm sorry, but that is how it works.
And what do we do in the meantime? Starve, I suppose!
I can give you the numbers to call.
I thought you were supposed to be helping people!
Oh, hi.
I need to see a doctor, please.
No, I'm afraid it's urgent.
What if someone sees us? I didn't know you was a celebrity.
One of the patients.
We can just say it's me that's skint, not you.
You're just helping out your crippled father. Dad!
You're not disabled, anyways.
And you're not a celebrity.
Hi.
All right? I'm Carl, the team leader.
Can I just check you've been referred to us?
Oh! Yeah.
By the council. Since when?
Since they sent us that council tax reminder.
Look, they're trying to help us.
Great. Well, if you don't mind waiting... Thanks.
I thought it'd be all... shelves and stuff. Didn't you?
Well, I didn't know we were coming.
It breaks your heart, doesn't it?
How's it going in court? You were bored? You're not the only one.
DOORBELL
Yes, coming!
That's my parcel. Will you call me back in a bit? Bye.
Whoops!
Hi. Erm...
Well, don't look so shocked.
What's happened?
Nothing! Well, something must have.
I just popped by to see how you are.
Have I got the sack?
Karen! I thought we were friends.
I can't do this. We're nearly there now.
I'd rather not eat! Would you listen to yourself?
Do you think I want to be here? No, course I don't, but...
I'm your father. I'm supposed to look after you...
I'm not a kid. ..as best I can, any way I can, so please
just give me a bit of help, will you?
If you'd like to come over...
Come on.
OK.
So you think your asthma's coming back? I had it as a child.
Right. And when did it start up again? Roughly.
It hasn't.
Sorry? I just said that cos I needed an appointment.
But, erm, you've said that it was urgent. It is.
I need you to refer me to a food bank.
I see. Well, you could have just said that.
Yeah, and how long would I have had to wait?
Right. Look, if it was just about me, I'd do without.
But I've got a daughter I can't feed till I get paid.
I'm sorry I lied, OK? But I'm desperate.
Sorry about the wait. That's OK.
I hate people having to queue, but we haven't got much choice.
But I do just want to say, from the start,
that there's nothing to feel bad about here, OK? No...
You wouldn't believe how many people are in your position.
And nobody likes having to ask for help.
No. Nor do we. Me too.
I was on the streets for two years before I asked for any.
Glad I did, though.
I have to tell you upfront, things are pretty limited at the moment.
Donations have slowed right down.
People can't spare the food.
Yeah, I'm not surprised.
And we can only store so much fresh produce, other than bread.
So it's mainly tinned and dried food, I'm afraid.
Beans on toast it is, then. Yeah, there's nothing wrong with that.
So that's two adults.
No food allergies? You're not vegetarian? No.
How...How long will it last?
Three or four days? Is that all?
It's the same with any food bank.
We're here for emergencies, not to supply food on an ongoing basis.
Well, when can I come back again?
In about two weeks?
Oh, right...
I'm really sorry, that's the best we can do.
Now, I will ask, and again, please don't be shy.
Is there anything else we can help you with while you're here?
Like what?
Toiletries? Or cleaning products?
Oh, I'm not sure... Shampoo.
Please.
And soap.
And washing-up liquid.
No problem.
And if you've got it, deodorant. For both of us.
Actually, I'm all right for that.
For both of us.
And sanitary products?
Tampons, please. Regular.
What do you do, Alison? I'm at Massive Sports.
Assistant manager!
And then I go stack shelves at the supermarket every night.
So it's not like I'm not earning. No. It's just...
..the gas bill comes out one week and the rent the next,
and...before you know it, we haven't got a penny!
And is it like that every month?
Christmas didn't help.
Not that Nora got much, bless her.
What about benefits?
I'm not interested in benefits.
Well, maybe it's something you could think about.
I shouldn't have to, though, should I?
Well, it's just that they may be able to offer you something
that could give you some support. I don't need support!
I just want to be able to live on the money I earn.
Yes, but if you can't...
People shouldn't have to go waving the begging bowl,
jumping through hoops!
They should have the right to feed their kids, a right to food!
I'd have got something in, if I'd have known.
I'm fine. Cake or whatever.
I didn't come round for cake.
Sorry, why did you?
You know, I do have feelings!
Erm, so, how's it going at work?
Well, hellish, if I'm honest.
But don't worry. There's no need for you to hurry back.
You don't miss me, then? No. I mean yes, but...
Zara, I don't think I'm ready to pack it in.
Of course not! That's the last thing any of us want.
You're not trying to get rid of me? Just take all the time you need.
It did come as quite a shock to all of us, you know...
..your...heart attack.
Frightened the life out of me.
And Rob, I expect.
Yes. Yes, it did. Me too.
Sorry? It did, Karen! It really did.
Well, that's very kind of you.
It certainly puts things into perspective.
Doesn't it just? It makes you think.
YOU'RE not thinking of packing it all in?
No?!
What about Nora?
I'm always at work. I hardly ever see her.
How old is she? Fourteen.
Right. And what kind of things does she normally eat?
Microwave meals.
Can't really trust her with the hob. Couldn't afford the gas, anyway.
And what about company?
I mean, does she spend time with friends or family?
No, not really. We did have a dog, but...
..I had to take him back to the rescue place.
I couldn't feed him. When was that? A while ago now.
Of course, she hated me for it.
Started...hurting herself. Really?
They weren't much more than scratches. You know, on her arm.
Any form of self-harming...
She's on her own too long.
But there's not much I can do about that, is there?
You really should have come to see us sooner.
Yeah, well, I threatened to, and she stopped, OK?
I'm not an unfit mother.
I'm not saying that you are. We're not some sort of problem family.
We don't need help.
Look, how would you feel about a home visit?
Who from? Social services?!
No! No. Just me, no-one else.
There's no need! I just don't want me daughter to starve!
All right. I'll phone the food bank. Thank you.
Sutton Vale didn't help. All that extra workload. It was too much.
I hardly ever saw Daniel, let alone Joe. Yeah, but that's done now,
so that must make things easier, no?
Except that it isn't done! We're still both working flat out
all the time.
And what about Joe?
He's happy enough.
But that isn't good, though, either, is it?
He's just got used to being...
..on his own. In his own world.
No, that's not good.
It isn't. It's awful.
Zara, it's all over so quickly.
You're right. Nobody ever looks back,
do they, and think, "Oh, I didn't spend enough time at work"?
No, I don't suppose they do.
You need a plan. Are YOU trying to get rid of ME?
KAREN CHUCKLES
Thanks a lot. Bye-bye.
Thank you. I would really like to see Nora, though.
I mean, I could come and visit, or you could bring her in to see me.
MOBILE RINGS
Yes, Nora?
NORA SOBS
Sorry. They've sent me home from school. What for?
I shouted at the teacher. Why?
I fell asleep in class AGAIN.
And they were all laughing.
Sorry, love. Do you know what they're calling me?
Snorer! And then Abbey, she started going on about
when I cut...when I cut myself, saying that I'm a weirdo.
I thought she was your friend.
I haven't got any friends, have I?
They're all out after school, doing normal stuff.
When do I ever get to be normal?!
All right, look, I'll be home in a little while.
I won't even get my lunch now. I'm bringing you summat.
So just...go and lie down for a bit.
I thought you were leaving me some money.
You said you were going to the bank! Well, I am...
You just keep lying to me!
No, I don't.
You keep saying it's all going to be fine, and it never is!
It just gets worse and worse all the time!
You're supposed to be my mother! You're supposed to look after me!
PHONE CHIMES
PHONE CHIMES REPEATEDLY
SHE SOBS
Alison?
It's all right.
I'm sorry. This was supposed to be about you, not me.
No, it's been a really nice chat. I'm not wrong, though, am I?
No, you should sit Daniel down and tell him what you just told me.
And you think he'll listen?
Probably not.
RINGTONE PLAYS
Sorry. Erm...
Bye. Bye-bye!
Ha-ha!
Hiya!
No. Are you sitting down?
It was Zara!
SHE LAUGHS
I know. I nearly had another heart attack!
No, not really!
Sorry.
Nora, yes?
Telling me what a bad mother I am.
I'm sorry.
Fell asleep at school again, didn't she?
Because she hadn't had enough to eat?
Now they're all making fun of her.
Same as when they saw the marks on her arm.
It doesn't make sense, does it? I'm working in a supermarket,
you'd think I could at least bring stuff home from there.
But, no, they'd rather throw it away than let us have it.
So we end up having to pinch it out the skip.
Look...I'd still like to see Nora.
Fine.
And how are you?
When did you last have something to eat?
I'm all right. It's not like I'm wasting away.
When did you last eat, Alison?
Look, I eat when I can. I'm used to it.
All right, well, look, we'll talk about that when I come over, yeah?
No. No, I'd rather bring her in.
All right. Well, I'll give you a call later and we'll arrange a time.
Thanks. OK.
Open it, then!
Oh, I didn't know they did luncheon meat any more.
Or rice pudding. Oh, I like rice pudding!
At least I can do my hair now, though.
And wash up. That's YOUR job.
Right, so we've got pasta...
..rice...
..a tin of tuna...and...
..an apple.
What, one between us? Yeah, well, it'll keep us going, won't it?
Yeah, I suppose.
He was a nice lad, wasn't he, that Carl? Yeah, he was.
Right, what shall we do for lunch? Soup? What kind?
Well, we've got tomato or...
..tomato.
It's my favourite, anyway. Mine too!
THEY CHUCKLE
Well, that was nice. I enjoyed it.
Where have you been? To see Karen. Really? Yes, really.
Why is everyone so surprised?
Well, one minute you're on reception and then you're visiting Karen.
I happen to be a caring person!
Fine. Erm, how is she?
Much better. Good to hear. We had some good chats, actually.
Really?
Stop it!
What about? All sorts of things.
She's a very intelligent woman, actually.
Well, emotional intelligence. Very wise.
She gave me some jolly sound advice,
real food for thought. Uh-oh.
I know that when people give you food for thought,
that normally means I'm in some sort of trouble.
Do I have anything to be concerned about?
There are going to be some changes around here, Daniel.
Big changes.
Hold...
I'm home, love. Do you want to come down?
I've got us summat to eat.
Come and see what we've got. Look!
You asleep, love? I thought you were starving.
Nora?
SHE KNOCKS ON DOOR
Nora?
SHE GASPS
It's happening every day now. It's appalling! Me too.
And it's not just their physical health,
it's their mental health, as well.
I mean, people just can't afford to live!
They're working night and day then having to go cap in hand for food.
It's disgusting! Absolutely.
I don't know how it got to this, I really don't.
She's right, of course.
Can you imagine? It's absolutely tragic.
Oh, great...!
What's up?
These lunches, they're all out of date!
They were supposed to last the whole week. That was the whole point!
What even is it? Iberico de bellota. It's a rather nice ham.
Well, it's only a day out of date. I was really looking forward to
that truffle risotto. So's that one. It won't hurt. Ugh, no, thank you.
They put that on there, but they'll be fine.
We were supposed to be going out for lunch this week, as well.
Fat chance!
PHONE RINGS
Hello, it's Dr Reid from the Mill Health Centre.
Alison? I'm at the hospital.
Nora's cut herself.
Badly this time. Oh, I'm sorry. How is she?
They said she's been stabilised. And how are you?
Worried sick. The ambulance took long enough.
I really thought I was going to lose her.
If I hadn't have got home when I did...
Have you got anyone with you?
I'm all right. I just want to see her!
None of this would've happened, would it,
if we just had enough money?
Or maybe I AM just an unfit mother.
None of this is your fault.
No? Then whose fault is it?!
Cos it's got to be someone's!
Alison, you're doing your best.
Yeah, well, it's not good enough, is it? She's lying there...
And she's going to be fine.
Will she? Yes. We're going to make sure of it.
Look, will you give me a call as soon as they allow her to come home?
Home to what, though? At least she'll be getting fed in here.
Alison, please don't give up. Please.
I won't. Thanks.
SHE SIGHS
Yeah, I know. We only talked about it the other day.
But did we do anything about it? OK, fine.
I will book us a table somewhere for tomorrow.
Daniel, this isn't just about us having lunch. OK.
So what do you want me to do? Well, I don't know. Maybe just listen!
Oh... Look, there was all that ICS business, OK?
Then Valerie leaving. And Karen having her heart attack.
Yeah, I'm aware. But do you care?
Of course I do! Enough to do anything about it?
Like...Like what?
Daniel, that could have been you.
Maybe so. But it wasn't. Or me.
Now you're stretching it a bit far. And what if she'd died?
Tell me this. What time did you come to bed last night
after finishing those figures?
Midnight? And how much time did you spend with Joe last weekend?
Oh. OK, come on. We know why that was.
I can tell you how much time I spent with him. Three hours.
And most of that was watching Hero Fight 2 or whatever it was called.
I didn't envy you that. It's not good enough, Daniel.
It has to stop. OK, so, er, what are we saying?
We need to go away for a weekend, somewhere nice? A holiday!
What, and spend the whole week on our laptops, like last time?
Well, let's not take them. It's not enough, Daniel.
It is simply not enough!
OK. What do you suggest?
It's simple.
We give up our partnerships...
..and leave the Mill.
Jamie's straight. Unless? What?
You gaydar is even worse than your game!
It's bad for you, you know.
Thought you young'uns were born with phones and computers in your hands.
You've done that wrong. Seriously?!
If you won't listen... Look, don't take your bad mood out on me.
I want to say yes. But?
But will the reality of it work? SHE SIGHS