SCENE: Blackout.

Brendan's voice: Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I'd spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
 (By W.B. Yeats, 'He wishes for the cloths of heaven')

CUT TO: Extreme closeup of book.

Pan back to closeup of Brendan holding a book. We can't tell where he is exactly, but he seems to be indoors.

Brendan: I've always liked that one, but it's a bit melancholy.
He turns a page: Let's see...
He turns another page: Here's a nice one.

That crazed girl improvising her music.
Her poetry, dancing upon the shore,
Her soul in division from itself
Climbing, falling She knew not where,
Hiding amid the cargo of a steamship,
Her knee-cap broken, that girl I declare
A beautiful lofty thing, or a thing
Heroically lost, heroically found.

No matter what disaster occurred
She stood in desperate music wound,
Wound, wound, and she made in her triumph
Where the bales and the baskets lay
No common intelligible sound
But sang, "O sea-starved, hungry sea.'
(Yeats, A crazed girl)

Brendan comments: Powerful, that.

RUN TITLES

CUT TO: Whiteout.

BLEND IN: Closeup of Siobhan's face.

Siobhan, sadly: ...He was looking for one of his sheep that had got out, and tumbled down the rocks. By the time they found him, it was too late...

CUT TO: Whiteout.

BLEND IN: Padraig is standing indoors somewhere, looking slightly down. Kevin is standing next to him, fidgeting, looking around.

Padraig: ...the place just isn't the same without you. We all feel awful about what happened.
He waits, looks around. Then he turns to Kevin, nudges him, nods toward the spot he was looking at before: Go on, tell her about Fionn.

Kevin, looking down at the floor: Right, I'm taking care of him.
He turns to Padraig, softly: Can we go now?

CUT TO: Closeup of baby Kieran on Niamh's lap

Niamh's voice, upset: ...he makes me so angry. Sometimes I wonder if it hasn't all been a mistake.

Baby coos.

Pan back to Niamh, sitting.

Niamh looks down at Kieran, softening: Kieran says hi, too. He doesn't understand when Mummy and Daddy argue...

CUT TO: Whiteout.

BLEND IN: Leo sitting somewhere indoors, talking to someone off-camera.

Leo: I'm so sorry, for everything, for running off and not giving things a chance. This whole thing has made me realize how much we need each other.

CUT TO: Whiteout.

BLEND IN: Siobhan is sitting in the same seat Leo was in, holding baby Aisling.

Siobhan, cheerfully: ...of course, we would have preferred Father Clifford to do the honors, if he were still around. I don't know about this interim priest, Father Aidan. I don't reckon you'd like him much. And not just because of what he represents. We're going to wait and see who they send as a permanent replacement...

CUT TO: Niamh, sitting.

Niamh, subdued: ...I can't believe he's gone. It's only now that I realize how big a part of my life he was. Father Mac officiated at the funeral...

CUT TO: Whiteout.

BLEND IN: Brendan sitting in the same seat.

Brendan: ...Siobhan's arranged with Father Vincent to do the christening this Saturday.
Brendan sneaks a look behind him, leans forward and whispers: Peter's going to be the godfather...

CUT TO: Padraig sitting in the chair, leaning back.

Padraig: ...what do you reckon your old Da would say if he saw you lying here like this?
He clears his throat, looks around, looks down.

CUT TO: Niamh sitting.

Niamh: I ran into someone the other day.
She pauses, then: Sean Dillon. Do you remember him?
She waits, then: I'm going to move up to Dublin for a while.
Pleading: Please don't think I'm abandoning you. There are too many bad memories here, too many ghosts...

CUT TO: Leo sitting.

Leo: I had to hire someone to help out with the bar. I thought you'd rather keep it open, and I can't run it from here.

CUT TO:

Dr. Ryan whispers: Assumpta. Please wake up. Peter is waiting for you.

SCENE: Thursday 9:00. Hospital room interior.

Assumpta is lying on her back in a hospital bed, head slightly elevated, appears to be sleeping.

Dr. Ryan is sitting next to her, leaning over close to her face.

Assumpta opens her eyes, closes them again, groans.

Dr. Ryan, suppressing excitement: Assumpta? Can you hear me?

Assumpta moves her head.

Dr. Ryan looks down at Assumpta's hand, picks it up, looks intently at Assumpta's face again, excitedly: Assumpta. I want you to try to squeeze my hand.
He looks down at Assumpta's hand. Nothing happens.
Holding her hand with his right hand, he pats her hand with his left hand, more patiently, quietly: Assumpta. Try to concentrate. I'm holding your hand down here. Try to squeeze mine back.
He looks down at her hand again.

Moments pass, then her hand flexes slightly.

Dr. Ryan orders: Again. Can you do it again. Harder.
He still watches her hand.

A shorter time passes, then Assumpta's hand flexes again, and remains holding Dr. Ryan's hand. Hold shot.

BLEND TO: Leo's hand holding Assumpta's hand.

Leo is sitting next to Assumpta. Dr. Ryan is standing next to her head.

Assumpta blinks, smiles weakly: So this is the afterlife, is it? They always say you see a bright light at the end of a long tunnel, and then all your friends are waiting to greet you.
She holds up her hand in front of her eyes and squints: The part about the light is right anyway.

Leo looks up at Dr. Ryan.

Dr. Ryan reaches behind Assumpta's bed and flips a switch, dimming the overhead light. He looks down at Assumpta: Is that better?

Assumpta nods. She looks from Leo to Dr. Ryan: How long have I been here? It feels like ages.
She tries to prop herself up further on her elbows.

Leo and Dr. Ryan exchange a look.

Assumpta laughs a little: What? Don't tell me I'm an old woman now. You two don't look much different.

Leo looks back at Assumpta, smiles: Just a few more worry lines. You gave us quite a scare.

Dr. Ryan places his hand on Assumpta's shoulder, reassuringly: You're not an old woman. You've been here for six months.

Assumpta's smile fades. She looks up at the ceiling.

Dr. Ryan: Do you remember what happened?

Assumpta closes her eyes. She opens them, looks at Dr. Ryan, worried: I don't know.

Dr. Ryan: Don't worry, that's to be expected. Your system withstood quite a shock.
He pats her shoulder again: We can talk later.
He looks down at Leo: Not too long now, Leo. We don't want to overtax her.

Leo nods, not taking his eyes from Assumpta: I'll just be a minute.

Dr. Ryan nods, turns and leaves.

Sound of a door opening and closing.

Leo: Assumpta, love, I was so afraid you'd left us.

Assumpta: Leo, please, tell me what happened.
She looks around, confused: I've had such strange dreams. I guess it was just dreams. Ambrose died, Siobhan and Brendan had a baby girl, there was a new priest...a golf course, a race track...
She looks straight at Leo, suddenly alarmed: Strangers were running the bar. Is any of it true?

Leo half smiles: Some yes, some no.
He leans forward and strokes her hair, gently: Just try to get some rest now. I won't leave you.

SCENE: Thursday 12:00. Prawn Cracker restaurant interior.

Siobhan and Brendan are sitting at a table with baby Aisling in a carrier on a chair next to them. They have drinks on the table already. Avril, with very little on, is standing next to the table, notepad and pencil in hand, waiting to take their order. She looks bored.

Siobhan, menu open on the table in front of her, looks up at Avril: I'll have the hot and sour chicken.
She looks at Brendan expectantly.

Avril writes something on her notepad.

Brendan looks worriedly at Siobhan: Are you sure that's good for Aisling?
He inclines his head toward the baby.

Siobhan, indignantly: I'm not feeding it to her! What are you thinking?

Brendan glances at Avril, tries to turn his body toward Siobhan so that Avril can't see his face, in a low voice to Siobhan: But the nursing...

Siobhan stares at Brendan, purses her lips, exhales shortly. She looks down at the menu again, then up at Avril: Plain rice and egg foo yung, no spices.

Avril looks from Siobhan to Brendan. Brendan nods. Avril then crosses out the previous order on her notepad and writes something else. Then she looks at Brendan to take his order.

Brendan, eyeing his menu expertly: I'll have the hot and sour chicken.
He closes his menu and smiles at Avril.

Avril nods, writes something on her notepad, and leaves. Brendan turns his head to watch her go.

Siobhan, infuriated: You reckon you're pretty clever, don't you?

Brendan, turns back to Siobhan, mock innocence: What? I was going to order it anyway.

Siobhan, indignantly: That's not what I meant. I meant the way you were ogling that girl.

Brendan, genuinely innocent: What? Who's ogling?

Siobhan: You know why Liam and Donal hired her, don't you. And don't say it's for her experience.

Brendan, chuckling: I wouldn't know about her experience.

SCENE: Thursday 14:30. Sunny. Street in Cilldargan.

A car pulls over and parks in front of a low commercial building. There is a sign next to the door of the building that says "County Youth Recreational and Social Services." The car door opens. Dr. Ryan gets out, looks around, closes the car door. He walks over to the building and enters.

SCENE: Thursday 14:30. Fitzgerald's interior.

Oonagh is behind the bar. Padraig and Brendan are sitting at the end of the bar. The phone rings. Oonagh goes to answer it.

Oonagh, into phone: Fitzgerald's.
She listens: Oh, hi, Leo.
She listens, smiles, excitedly: Oh, Leo, that's fantastic! Yes, I'll let them know.
She hangs up the phone, returns to the end of the bar: That was Leo.

Padraig and Brendan look up, polite looks on their faces.

Oonagh smiles broadly: He says his wife has woken up.

Padraig looks questioningly at Oonagh, confused: Assumpta?

Brendan looks baffled.

Oonagh beams at them both.

Brendan: Well, did he say anything else?

Oonagh starts to clean up, shakes her head, lightly: That's all.

Brendan and Padraig look at each other.

Brendan: I think this calls for another round.

Padraig: Hear, hear.
He turns to Oonagh, raises his glass: Oonagh, another one of the same.

SCENE: Thursday 14:30. Overcast. Alley behind Prawn Cracker restaurant.

Door leading to the restaurant's kitchen is open. Garbage bins are lined up along the exterior wall. Donal emerges from the open door, carrying a big bucket in front of himself with both arms. It seems heavy. He puts it down on top of a bin and takes the lid off of another bin, apparently in preparation to dump the bucket or its contents.

Shamie looks out the door, sees Donal: Here, what do you reckon you're doing with that?

Donal looks at Shamie: I'm dumping it.

Shamie steps out, points at the bucket: You can't dispose of grease that way. That'll cause a fire hazard. It can be recycled.
He shakes his head, picks up the bucket, and turns to go back inside.

Donal calls after him: Yeah, well, don't forget me and Liam's the boss.

Shamie goes back inside the kitchen, the door closes.

SCENE: Thursday 15:30. Hendley's interior.

Door opens. Fr Mac enters.

Kathleen, behind the counter, conspiratorially: Oh, Father Mac, have you heard?

Fr Mac, walking toward Kathleen, pedantically: Good afternoon, Kathleen, fine, thank you. And you?

Kathleen, confused: What?

Fr Mac blinks slowly: Never mind, just an attempt at an exchange of pleasantries.

Kathleen looks perplexed.

Fr Mac relents: Have I heard what?

Kathleen, remembering, triumphantly: Assumpta's woken up.

Fr Mac raises his eyebrows: Oh, has she?

SCENE: Thursday 15:30. Hospital room interior.

Assumpta is still in bed. The head of the bed has been raised so that she is in a sitting position. A nurse is standing next to her, taking her blood pressure. Leo is sitting on the other side of the bed watching her.

The nurse finishes measuring the blood pressure, removes the blood pressure cuff from Assumpta's arm: Your pressure is still low. I don't think you should try to get up yet.

Assumpta, annoyed: I'd at least like to try.

Leo: We don't want you collapsing again. Like the doctor said, you've had a shock to your system. It will all take time to get things back in order again. You need to rest.

Assumpta, exasperated: I've had six months of rest. It's time to get on with my life!

Nurse, puts the sphigmomenometer away, smiles, conciliatory: I'll go and see about some dinner. You'll be stronger with some solid food on your stomach.

Assumpta sighs, looks at the nurse: Thank you.

The nurse smiles, nods, leaves.

Leo watches the nurse go, then picks up Assumpta's hand, leans closer to her, softly: I didn't mean to upset you, I'm just concerned. I came so close to losing you.

Assumpta looks at Leo, frowns: Leo, before my accident...
She pauses, tries to remember, then: Were we separated? Or was that just one of my dreams?

Leo looks down, nods: Yes, we were living apart.
He looks back at Assumpta, intently: But I've moved back to BallyK now. I realized what a mistake it ever was for me to leave. I gave up too easily.

Assumpta shakes her head: Leo, you may have had six months to rethink our relationship, but I haven't. I mean, I think it's wonderful that you're here for me and all, but for me, things still stand the way they did six months ago.
She leans back and closes her eyes: I have to get straight what's real and what's not.
She opens her eyes, looks up at the ceiling: I just feel like something's missing.

SCENE: Thursday 15:30. Closeup of Dr. Ryan in a doorway, interior.

Sounds of youth shouting and playing indoors. Dr. Ryan looks around the room, recognizes someone, smiles slightly and nods toward him.

CUT TO: Wide shot. Small gymnasium interior.

Several boys, aged 10-14, are playing football on an adapted court. Two boys are struggling with each other to get control of the ball. One of them falls, jumps up, runs after the other boy, grabs him, and they start to fight. The other boys stop and watch them. Peter jogs over, wearing trainers, puts one arm around each boy, and places himself between them. They stop fighting. Peter talks to them, but they are too far away, we cannot hear what he says. Then both boys nod, Peter lets go of them, pats them both on the back, and signals for the game to continue. The game continues. Peter looks across the room and sees Dr. Ryan, waves at him. Dr. Ryan waves back.

Peter jogs across the court, calls to the boys: Fair play!
He reaches Dr. Ryan, smiles, shakes his hand: Hi, Michael, how are ya?

Dr. Ryan smiles, puts his hands in his pockets: Peter, hi, looks like you've got a game in progress. I don't want to interrupt.

Peter looks back around at the boys, who are playing in an orderly fashion: Not at all. Just a minor altercation.
He turns back to Dr. Ryan, politely: Any news?

Dr. Ryan, conversationally: When are you done here? I'd like to chat.

Peter, immediately suspicious: Is it something about Assumpta? Is she...

Dr. Ryan puts his hand on Peter's shoulder, chuckles: Not to worry, I am not the bearer of bad tidings.

Peter looks at his watch: Say half five?

Dr. Ryan: Right, I've got some errands I can take care of in the mean time.
He nods toward the boys: It's good work you're doing here.

Peter looks over at the boys: Thanks. They're good lads, really.

SCENE: Thursday 16:00. Prawn Cracker restaurant interior.

Paul Dooley is sitting at a table with Dermot. They have drinks in front of them. Dermot looks sulky. Paul is looking out the window. Avril is sitting at a table near the kitchen, reading a book.

Sound of breaking dishes from the kitchen. Paul, Dermot, and Avril look toward the kitchen. Avril sighs, looks at Paul and Dermot, gives them a look that says, "Don't even ask," and turns back to her book. The kitchen door flings open, and Liam and Donal are sternly escorted out by Shamie. Avril looks up at them.

Liam, to Shamie, over his shoulder: Those dishes are coming out of your pay!

Shamie: I won't be taking pay from you lot much longer if you don't keep out of me kitchen!
He goes back into the kitchen, pulling the door firmly shut behind him.

Liam and Donal stand there, look from Avril to Paul and Dermot. Avril sighs again, turns back to her book. Dermot suppresses a laugh in his sleeve. Paul looks thoughtful.

Liam walks directly to Paul and Dermot's table, smiles in an embarrassed way, jovially: Everything to your liking, sir?

Paul takes a sip from his drink, frowns, gestures to Donal, who is still hovering near the kitchen: Gentlemen.

Liam and Donal look questioningly at each other.

Paul looks over at Donal, gestures again: I have a business proposal for you.

Donal shrugs, ambles over to the table.

Paul indicates two empty chairs: Please, have a seat.

Liam and Donal sit.

Paul eyes Liam and Donal sharply: Now, it has not escaped my attention that you may be having some difficulties with your staff.

Liam looks down, starts to laugh: No, no--

Paul interrupts, placatingly: Perfectly understandable. A new team and all. There are bound to be some initial frictions.

Avril, keeping her head bowed over her book, sneaks a glance at the other table.

Liam: Yeah, well, we've got everything under control.

Donal nods.

Paul nods, too, seriously: No doubt. Now, I have some considerable experience with getting new businesses off the ground, setting things up, as it were.
He looks at Dermot, winks: Isn't that right, son?

Dermot grins: Sure, Dad, you know how to set things up.

Paul, turning back to Liam and Donal: Sure I do. And in addition, my wife has extensive experience in the restaurant industry. Why, she's running Fitzgerald's singlehanded as we speak. And that is why I am willing to offer my services as a consultant to you gentlemen. Now, I'm not trying to horn in on your business or take over any authority. Just a few pointers and tips as to how you can best maximize your potential.
He reaches into the breast pocket of his jacket, pulls out a business card, and places it on the table between Liam and Donal.

Liam and Donal look at each other skeptically.

SCENE: Thursday 16:00. Sunny. Street outside the church yard.

Fr Vincent is exiting the church yard. Fr Mac is walking up the sidewalk toward the church.

Fr Mac raises his hand, calls: Father Sheahan!

Fr Vincent sees Fr Mac, stops and waits for him to approach, raises his hand, grins broadly: Father. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Fr Mac: Abandoning ship so soon?

Fr Vincent: I don't see the point in hanging around an empty confessional when there is work to be done out in the world.

Fr Mac: Work?

Fr Vincent: The poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. They need a shepherd also, and I've found that they have a hard time making it all the way into the stable.

Fr Mac nods thoughtfully: I came to talk to you about a particular lost sheep. One that will be re-entering your parish...
He nods toward the church building: ...if not your church, shortly.

Fr Vincent frowns: I'm not sure I follow you.

Fr Mac nods at a passing pedestrian, speaks to Fr Vincent: If you have a moment, we could go inside.

SCENE: Immediately after. BallyK church sacristy interior.

Fr Mac and Fr Vincent are seated opposite each other at the desk.

Fr Vincent: Assumpta McGarvey? Is she any relation to Assumpta Fitzgerald?

Fr Mac looks Fr Vincent in the eye: One and the same. McGarvey is her married name.

Fr Vincent: I know that she's the owner of Fitzgerald's pub here in town and that she had an accident a few months ago that left her in a coma.

Fr Mac nods: Indeed. It was quite a shock to the whole community.

Fr Vincent: I can imagine.

Fr Mac looks down, cocks his head to one side: But, it was even more of a shock to your predecessor in the office of curate.

Fr Vincent: Father Clifford?

Fr Mac, carefully: You see, he was in love with her.
He raises his eyes to see Fr Vincent's reaction.

Fr Vincent inhales sharply, raises his eyebrows.

Fr Mac, satisfied with Fr Vincent's reaction: The reason I am telling you this is that it appears that Mrs McGarvey has recently awakened from her coma. With her return thus imminent, I imagine that there may be repercussions within the community and perhaps involving the church.

Fr Vincent: And are you warning me to stay away from her as well?

Fr Mac smiles beatifically: The thought hadn't crossed my mind.

SCENE: Thursday 17:30. Youth services office interior.

Peter is standing behind the counter, writing something.

Sound of knocking.

CUT TO: Closeup of Dr. Ryan in the doorway. He looks expectantly at Peter.

CUT TO: Office interior.

Peter looks up, smiles: Michael. I'll be right with you.
He looks back at the paper in front of him and continues writing: Let me just finish this.

Dr. Ryan nods and looks around the office.

Peter puts his pen down, lays the paper into a tray on the counter, looks up at Dr. Ryan curiously: Right, what's this all about?

Dr. Ryan: Can we sit?
He points toward a table in the corner next to a coffee machine.

Peter, willingly: Sure.

Dr. Ryan and Peter move over to the table and take seats.

Peter half stands again, gestures toward the machine: Um, coffee?

Dr. Ryan shakes his head: No.

Peter sits again: Now you've got me curious, Michael. What's with the big build-up?

Dr. Ryan takes a breath, looks Peter in the eye: Assumpta's awake.

Peter opens his mouth, looks at Dr. Ryan disbelievingly, angry: Since when? Why didn't you say something?
He stands up: I have to get over to see her. Is she still in the hospice?

Dr. Ryan raises his eyebrows, raises his hands in a calming gesture: Now, Peter, wait--

Peter, interrupting: Wait?! I've been waiting for months, years! You know that better than just about anyone.

Dr. Ryan, calmly: Peter, please, sit down. Let me explain.

Peter looks at Dr. Ryan, sits down unwillingly.

Dr. Ryan: Now, she just woke up this morning. I was with her. But Leo was there, too. He's there now. It won't do you any good to go storming over there. It would just lead to a confrontation. That wouldn't do anyone any good.

Peter: Maybe it would. We need to clear the air. Especially now.

Dr. Ryan shrugs noncommittally.

Peter looks at the table, thinks for a moment, then, quieter, concerned: How is she?

Dr. Ryan looks at the table too: Physically weak.
He taps his temple with his finger: Some confusion.
He puts his hand down, looks at Peter, smiles: Feisty. I think she'll be all right.

SCENE: Thursday 18:30. Cilldargan church interior.

Peter is lighting a candle at that place where petitioners light candles for their prayers to be answered. He steps back, kneels, and says a silent prayer.

SCENE: Thursday 18:30. BallyK church, confessional exterior.

The curtain is pulled back on the confessor's side and Kathleen comes out. She is holding her coat and starts to put it on. The door opens on the priest's side and Fr Vincent comes out.

Fr Vincent steps over to Kathleen: Here, let me help you with that.
He reaches for her coat.

Kathleen relinquishes her coat, smiles primly: Thank you, Father.

Fr Vincent helps Kathleen into her coat: Slow evening.

Kathleen looks around: Hm?
She starts buttoning up her coat.

Fr Vincent gestures around at the empty pews: Not too many lost sheep looking for salvation.

Kathleen smiles politely: Indeed.
She finishes buttoning her coat when something occurs to her. She says over her shoulder: Father Sheahan?

Fr Vincent cocks his head toward Kathleen: Hm?

Kathleen, half turning toward Fr Vincent: Speaking of lost sheep, have you heard the news about Assumpta Fitzgerald?
She corrects herself: Actually, Assumpta McGarvey.

Fr Vincent: Isn't that the woman who's been lying in a coma?

Kathleen turns all the way around to face Fr Vincent, triumphantly: WAS lying in a coma. She woke up this morning.

Fr Vincent: Well, praise the Lord. That is good news.

Kathleen, thoughtfully: Indeed it is.
She starts to walk toward the exit.

Fr Vincent accompanies her.

Kathleen, as she walks, gossipy: Did you know, Father, that she was the reason for the departure of your predecessor?

Fr Vincent, matter-of-factly: I had heard something along those lines.

Kathleen: And that she doesn't believe in God?

Fr Vincent: Every man and woman stands free to choose according to his or her own conscience.

Kathleen furrows her brow, holds the collar of her coat tightly closed.

SCENE: Thursday 20:00. Fitzgerald's interior.

The pub is fairly full. Padraig, Brendan, and Dr. Ryan are sitting at a table with drinks in front of them.

Padraig, to Dr. Ryan: When do you reckon she'll be ready to come home?

Dr. Ryan frowns: Oh, it's hard to say.
He raises his eyebrows: A week, maybe, depending on her progress. Sooner, I hope.
He looks around the bar: The best thing for her recovery would be to be in familiar surroundings again.

Brendan, meaningfully: Let's hope that's what Leo has in mind: what's best for Assumpta.

Padraig, indignantly: What makes you think not? Has he not been spending every waking moment with her since the accident?

Brendan, quietly: I'm not so sure whether that was for her benefit or for his.

Dr. Ryan, briskly: Well, anyway, now that she is conscious again, she can speak for herself and make her own wishes known. And I'm sure she won't waste any time in doing so.

Padraig grins, raises his drink: Not our Assumpta.

SCENE: Friday 10:00. Hospice lobby interior.

Peter enters and from outside. He looks around, then approaches the reception. Behind the desk is a sign: "All visitors must sign in."

A young woman sits behind the desk. She watches Peter approach. When he reaches the desk, she smiles up at him, cheerfully: Good morning, sir, can I help you?

Peter places his hands on the desk, smiles hopefully: Good morning. I'd like to visit Assumpta McGarvey. Room 208.

The woman looks down at a list on her desk, running her finger down it. She stops her finger, looks back up at Peter, friendly: Your name, sir?

Peter, friendly: Peter Clifford.

Woman: Are you a member of the immediate family?

Peter, his smile fading, sensing where this is leading: No.

Woman, regretfully: I'm sorry, but only members of the immediate family, clergy, and specially approved guests are allowed.
She adds, firmly: For security reasons.
She indicates the list in front of her: I'm sorry, but your name isn't on the approved list for Mrs McGarvey.

Peter, attempting to remain friendly, politely: I'm acquainted with your rules. But Mrs McGarvey is conscious now. Can't you ring up to her room and ask if she'll approve me?

Woman considers a moment.

Peter, with feeling: Please.

Woman relents: I suppose I could do that.
She picks up the receiver of the phone on the desk in front of her, looks at Peter sharply: But I'll need to have it in writing for the record afterwards.

Peter smiles: Thank you.

The woman dials a number, waits. After a while, she holds the receiver away from her ear, looks up at Peter apologetically: I'm sorry, but there doesn't seem to be any answer.

SCENE: Monday 12:00. Prawn Cracker restaurant interior.

There are a couple of extras sitting at tables, eating. Fr Vincent and Frankie, both in uniform, enter.

Avril, wearing a long blue silk dress in Chinese style, greets them at the door with a smile: Welcome to the Prawn Cracker. Party of two?

Fr Vincent, surprised both by Avril's appearance and by the assumption: Yes, I guess we are.
He looks at Frankie: If that's OK with you?

Frankie nods, also dumbfounded by Avril's newfound demurity: I was just coming by for take-away, but I guess I can stay for a quick bite.

Avril nods: This way, please.
She leads Frankie and Fr Vincent to a table and waits, holding the menus.

Frankie reaches for a chair, but Fr Vincent puts his hand on it, smiles at Frankie: Allow me.

Frankie, neutrally: Thank you, Father.

Fr Vincent holds the chair while Frankie sits, then takes a chair and sits down also.

Avril hands Frankie a menu, then gives one to Fr Vincent as well: Can I bring you some drinks?

Frankie is bewildered by the good service, looks at Fr Vincent: Ummm...

Fr Vincent waits patiently.

Frankie looks up at Avril: A cup of jasmine tea.

Avril smiles, nods, turns her head toward Fr Vincent.

Fr Vincent: That sounds nice. I'll have one, too.

Avril smiles: Two jasmine teas. I'll be back in a minute to take your orders.
She turns and walks toward the kitchen.

Frankie looks at Fr Vincent in wonderment: Looks like she's been taking classes in deportment.

Fr Vincent, correcting: It looks like she's being treated with respect and dignity.

Frankie looks after Avril thoughtfully: I'd lay a bet that's not an innovation from Liam and Donal.

Fr Vincent shrugs noncommittally: You never know.

They are awkwardly silent for a moment.

Frankie, remembering why she is there, picks up her menu and opens it: I've only got half an hour. I usually get the dinner special to take away and eat over at the post.
She looks over the menu: Do you know anything to recommend?

Fr Vincent shakes his head, picking up his own menu and opening it: Sorry, I'm also a dinner special man.

They both study their menus.

Avril returns with two steaming cups. She places them on the table: Two jasmine teas.
She takes out a notepad with pencil and holds them at the ready, smiles, looks expectantly at Frankie and Fr Vincent: Are you ready to order?

Frankie sighs, closes her menu, hands it to Avril: I'll take the special.

Fr Vincent smiles at Avril, hands her his menu also: Make that two.

Avril takes the menus, smiles: Two specials, right away.
She turns and leaves.

Frankie reaches for her tea: It does make for a more pleasant atmosphere in here. Maybe I'll eat in more often.

Fr Vincent: Can't hurt.

They both sip their hot tea.

SCENE: Wednesday 17:00. Fitzgerald's interior.

The pub is full and buzzing excitedly. There are balloons and decorations all around. A large banner hangs over the bar: "Welcome Home, Assumpta!" Oonagh is behind the bar, busily serving up drinks. Brendan, Siobhan with baby Aisling, Niamh, and Peter are at the end of the bar nearest the door. Dr. Ryan and Padraig are about in the middle. Also present are Paul, Frankie in uniform, and Fr Vincent in uniform. And several extras.

The door opens and Dermot sticks his head in, catches Oonagh's eye, excitedly: I see his car!

Oonagh exclaims: Oh!
She steps quickly to the bell and rings it, calls out: Mr McGarvey's car has been sighted on approach!

The excitement level builds among the patrons. Several people glance quickly in Peter's direction. He appears to be engrossed with Aisling.

CUT TO: Hendley's exterior.

Through the display window Kathleen is visible behind the counter, watching the street.

CUT TO: Hendley's interior, shot of the street as seen from inside through the window.

Leo's car passes by.

CUT TO: Late afternoon. Overcast. Fitzgerald's exterior. Wide angle.

Leo's car is parked in front of the pub. The driver's door (on the street side) opens and Leo gets out. He reaches into the back seat and pulls out a large duffel bag, slings it over his shoulder. He closes the driver's door. He walks around the car, opens  the passenger's door (on the far side, we cannot see into the car) and leans over to help someone. It takes a few moments, he has to practically pull her up, and then we can see her head over the top of the car. It is Assumpta. She has to lean heavily on Leo. He holds her steady with one hand while he reaches over and closes the car door with the other hand. Then he puts one arm around her back to support her and holds her interior arm with his other hand. Thus they complete the few steps to the left-hand door of the pub.

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's interior. Shot of the door further from the bar.

The door opens and Leo and Assumpta enter, he is still holding her up. She looks thin and pale, with circles under her eyes.

A great cheer goes up from the patrons. They break into song: For she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow, which nobody can deny!
They cheer again, shout variously: Welcome back!
They start to crowd around Assumpta and Leo.

Peter hangs back. Neither Assumpta nor Leo have seen him yet.

Assumpta and Leo both smile broadly. Leo nods toward the bar: Let us get to a seat.

The crowd parts slowly to make a path to an empty barstool. Leo and Assumpta traverse the few steps, Leo helps Assumpta up onto the stool. Once seated, Assumpta appears to relax somewhat.

CUT TO: Assumpta seated at far end of bar, facing outwards.

Dr. Ryan, Padraig, extras reach out their hands to shake Assumpta's hand, pat her on the shoulder. Niamh pushes her way through the crowd to Assumpta.

Niamh and Assumpta look at each other, tears come to Niamh's eyes: Oh Assumpta.
They embrace.
Niamh steps back, hands on Assumpta's shoulders, looks her over, worried: You're so thin!

Assumpta laughs shortly: Sure and you're looking a sight yourself!

Niamh looks troubled: I've missed you.

Oonagh approaches Assumpta behind the bar, clears her throat. Assumpta turns to face her.

Leo: Assumpta, this is Oonagh Dooley. Remember, I told you she's been helping out behind the bar.

Oonagh holds out her hand to Assumpta, smiles: Pleasure, Mrs McGarvey. And welcome back.

Assumpta shakes her hand, smiles shyly: Assumpta, please. Thank you.

Dr. Ryan: How are you feeling?

Assumpta, gratefully: Glad to be back.
She looks around at the crowd, which has largely fallen silent: Well, this is a pub, isn't it? Get drinking, then. A round on the house!

Loud cheers of acclamation. Oonagh moves over to the taps to start filling orders. Extras crowd up to the bar to get their drinks, effectively blocking Assumpta's view of the other end of the bar.

Brendan has made his way through the throng to Assumpta, smiles: Hey. Welcome back.
He holds his arms open wide.

Assumpta: Brendan. I think I remember some of your poetry readings. Yeats, wasn't it?
She opens her arms to accept his embrace. She looks around behind him: Is Siobhan here?

Brendan inclines his head toward the other end of the bar, reassuringly: Come down to the other end of the bar. She's waiting there with someone who'd like to see you.

Leo, to Assumpta: Aisling's a darling.
To Brendan: Thanks for bringing them.

Brendan looks Leo in the eye, seriously: Siobhan brought herself. Wild horses couldn't have kept her away.
He winks at Assumpta, grins: Unless of course one was foaling.

Assumpta starts to get off the barstool. Leo holds her arm to support her.

Oonagh, swamped with calls for drinks, yells: Leo! We need another barrel on tap!

Leo looks over to her, calls back: Be right there.

Brendan, to Leo: Go on. I'll help her over.
He reaches over to take Assumpta's elbow.

Niamh: I'll help, too.

Leo, to Brendan: Are you sure?
To Assumpta: Can you make it?

Assumpta, dismissively: Go on, I'll be fine. I'm not an invalid any more. I'd better be able to make it from one end of the bar to the other.

Leo: Right, let me take care of this and then I'll be right over.
He moves to step behind the bar.

Brendan and Niamh help Assumpta stand the rest of the way, then they slowly make their way through the crowd, which has begun to dissipate back to the tables. Dr. Ryan and Padraig follow them.

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's interior. Near end of the bar.

Siobhan is sitting on a barstool, cradling Aisling in her arms. Peter is leaning over, cooing at the baby. Peter looks up. He sees Assumpta approaching. His face expresses sadness, longing, relief. His eyes fill with tears. Siobhan looks up, sees Assumpta approaching, looks at Peter, then at Brendan.

CUT TO: Shot along the bar toward the back of the pub.

Assumpta walking between Brendan and Niamh. Assumpta sees Peter. Her face expresses surprise, wonder, a memory dawns on her. Brendan and Niamh look from her to Peter and back.

CUT TO: Near end of bar.

Assumpta stops in front of Peter, softly: Hey.

Peter, half smiles through his tears, softly: Hey.
He looks like he wants to embrace her, choking up: Welcome back.

Assumpta can't take her eyes off Peter, swallows, nods, takes a step closer to Peter. He looks tenderly at her and starts to reach out his arms to hold her.

Leo storms around the end of the bar, goes right up to Peter: Who asked you to come here? We don't need your kind of troublemaker around here!

Leo puts his finger up to Peter's face: You're persona non grata in this bar.

Assumpta, screwing up her face in utter confusion: What?!

Peter, suddenly changing emotional gears, fiercely: Leo, this isn't a closed facility where you get to make up the guest list. This is a public bar and I've the same right as anyone else to be here. More, maybe.

Frankie approaches, followed by Fr Vincent.

Frankie, sternly: What's going on here? I thought this was supposed to be a festive occasion.

Assumpta turns to see Frankie, irritated: Who's she?

Niamh whispers to Assumpta: She's the new garda.

Leo, looking at Peter, loudly: Garda, kindly remove this man from the premises.

Frankie, businesslike: On what grounds?

Leo hisses: He's disturbing my peace.

Siobhan, evenly, warningly: It looks like you're the one making trouble, Leo McGarvey.

Assumpta, to Leo, indignantly: Now wait a minute. This was still MY bar the last time I looked. I don't know what's been going on around here since I've been gone, but I see no reason for Peter to have to leave.
She turns to Frankie: Garda, I say Father Clifford stays.

Frankie raises her eyebrows, tilts her head toward Peter: Father Clifford? Is he a priest, too?

Assumpta, defiantly: Yes.

Niamh: Umm...no, actually he isn't. Not anymore.

Assumpta turns to Niamh in amazement.

Niamh, to Assumpta, gently, confidentially: You couldn't know, it happened after your accident.

Assumpta raises her hands in surrender, looks down, exhales: Apparently there's an awful lot that I don't know. Maybe this whole celebration so soon was a mistake.

Peter reaches out his hand and lays it on Assumpta's arm, gently, regretfully: No, look, maybe it was a mistake after all for me to come. I just wanted to let you know how much we all missed you, and how glad we are that you're back.
He puts his hand down, looks around at the assembled guests: I'll be taking my leave now.
He looks down and steps past Assumpta, Brendan, Frankie and Fr Vincent to the door: Excuse me.

Assumpta watches him go. She looks troubled. Niamh watches Assumpta and Peter, looking concerned. Brendan looks at Leo harshly.

SCENE: Wednesday 18:00. Street outside Fitzgerald's. Shot down the sidewalk looking back toward Fitzgerald's.

Peter stalks along the street. Fr Vincent comes out of Fitzgerald's, looks both ways along the sidewalk, catches sight of Peter, jogs to catch up to him.

CUT TO: Camera parallel to Fr Vincent and Peter.

Fr Vincent catches up to Peter, matches his pace: Peter Clifford?

Peter glances at Fr Vincent: You must be the new priest.

Fr Vincent holds out his hand, congenially: Father Vincent Sheahan.

Peter stops walking, shakes his hand perfunctorily: Father.
He starts walking again, not as fast.

Fr Vincent, conversationally: I was hoping we could meet. Under more favorable circumstances, of course.

Peter mutters: I think you've probably already heard all you need to know about me from the town gossips.

Fr Vincent, protesting: Not to discuss your personal life.
He pauses, then offers: Unless you'd like to.

Peter frowns, looks down: What then?

Fr Vincent: Your work. Our work. Your past work, I mean, here, in this parish. What needs to be done? Who is being oppressed? Where would it be most fruitful to direct my energy?

Peter, looking straight ahead: I think Father Mac has probably briefed you sufficiently on those subjects.

Fr Vincent: Father Mac has briefed me, yes, on the subjects that HE thought were most important. But I'd be interested to hear your opinions.

Peter stops walking, turns to Fr Vincent, sincerely: Look, I'm sorry, I can appreciate your zeal, really, better than anyone, but I have other things on my mind right now than the duties of a parish priest.

Fr Vincent nods, seriously: I understand. If you'd like to talk...

Peter puts his hand on Fr Vincent's arm, heartfelt: Thank you, Father. Despite what you may have heard, I haven't lost my faith. In a way, it's only become stronger.

SCENE: Wednesday 20:00. Assumpta's room interior.

Leo's things are all around the room. Assumpta sits on her bed. Niamh is standing next to her.

Assumpta gestures helplessly: What am I doing here? The whole world has moved on and I'm still stuck back in last year.

Niamh reassures her: It'll take time. You'll catch up.

Assumpta rolls her eyes: Can somebody please give me another platitude? That one's been done to death.

Niamh kneels down, puts her hands on Assumpta's knees, looks in Assumpta's eyes, earnestly, in a stage whisper: Look, none of us could tell you about Peter because Leo wouldn't let us. He's kept you under lock and key since the day he moved you into the hospice.

Assumpta shakes her head: It's not just Peter. It's you and Ambrose, the new garda, your Dad...
She looks sympathetically at Niamh: I'm so sorry about him. He and I had our differences, but still, I know how much he meant to you.

Niamh looks down: The thing that pains me most is that Kieran will never get to meet him.

Assumpta: Yeah, where is Kieran? Why didn't you bring him?

Niamh: He's got an ear infection. Ambrose and his mom are trading off minding him.

Assumpta: I envy you that.

Niamh, incredulously: Having a baby with an ear infection?

Assumpta: Having a baby, having a family, having people to go home to.

Niamh: You know Ambrose and I have been having some problems. I'm not sure you'd want to go home to that.

Assumpta, sympathetically: I'm sorry, I've been so selfish. You need someone to talk to just as much as I do.

Knock on the door. Niamh stays on her knees, turns to look at the door. Assumpta looks up at the door. The door opens a crack.

Leo's voice: Assumpta? Niamh? Everything all right?

Niamh looks back at Assumpta, murmurs: Is everything all right?

Assumpta shakes her head at Niamh: You can come in, Leo.

The door opens, Leo steps in: I've left Oonagh to finish up down at the bar. Are you turning in?

Assumpta: I think so. But Leo...

Leo looks at Assumpta expectantly.

Assumpta, delicately: Would you mind using one of the guest rooms tonight?

Niamh looks away, embarrassed.

Leo frowns: There aren't any free. Niamh's got the last one.

Assumpta, disbelieving: We're all filled up?

Leo, by way of explanation: The Dooleys are using three rooms, for them and their kids.

Niamh offers: You can have my room.

Leo: No, Niamh, I couldn't. Where would you go?

Assumpta, quickly: She can stay in here with me.

This is a bitter pill for Leo to swallow, but swallow it he does. He is silent for a moment, then says flatly: Fine. Let me just get some things.

Niamh stands, avoids looking at Leo, mutters: I'll just go clear out my things.

Niamh and Leo step carefully around each other, being careful not to touch or look at each other. Niamh leaves. Leo starts angrily picking up a few items.

Assumpta, pleading: I'm really sorry, Leo, I'm just not ready.

Leo, harshly: You can put me off tonight, Assumpta, but sooner or later, you're going to have to deal with me.

Assumpta mutters: Later, then.

SCENE: Thursday 02:00 am. Paul and Oonagh's room interior.

The room is darkened. The reading light is on on Oonagh's side of the bed. Oonagh is sitting on the edge of the bed on the near side, taking off her slippers. Paul is lying on the far side with his back to Oonagh, trying to sleep.

Oonagh: What did you think of this Assumpta...
She turns her head toward Paul: I don't know whether to call her McGarvey or Fitzgerald.

Paul grunts.

Oonagh swings her legs up under the covers, scoots herself back so she is sitting back against the headboard, pulls the covers up around her, reaches for a book on the night table next to her: There were certainly sparks between her and the Clifford fellow.
She holds the book on her lap, looks at Paul's back: Leo's in the other guest room tonight.

Paul mumbles: And Niamh?

Oonagh opens the book, starts looking at it, casually: In with Assumpta.

Paul snorts, rouses himself slightly: If this were my first night back with you after six months, I sure wouldn't be spending it in the guest room.

Oonagh smiles, puts her book away, and switches off the light: Things should get interesting around here anyway.

SCENE: Thursday 02:00 am. Peter's room interior.

The room is darkened. Peter, wearing the same clothes from the evening, is sitting at a desk illuminated by a desk lamp, writing something without pause.

SCENE: Thursday 02:00 am. Siobhan's bedroom interior.

The room is dark. Siobhan is in bed, asleep. Aisling is in bed with her. Aisling stirs, starts to cry. Siobhan opens her eyes, turns onto her side and starts nursing her. Aisling calms down. Siobhan smiles and closes her eyes.

SCENE: Thursday 02:00 am. Assumpta's room interior.

The room is dark. Assumpta is lying on her back in bed with her eyes open. Niamh is lying on her side with her back toward Assumpta.

Assumpta whispers: Niamh?

CUT TO: Niamh's side of the bed.

Niamh's eyes are open: Yeah?
She turns around to see Assumpta.

Assumpta: Did Leo really keep you from visiting me?

Niamh: Not me specifically. But it was pretty much by invitation only, and he usually stayed in the room whenever there was a visitor. He said in case you came to. But I reckon it was to keep tabs on what we told you. And Peter wasn't allowed to visit at all, once he traded in his collar.

Assumpta turns over on her side to face away from Niamh, her eyes still open.

SCENE: Friday 08:30 am. Classroom interior.

Dermot is sitting at his desk. Several other kids are gathered around, standing or leaning over from their own desks. Kevin is sitting at his desk, trying to ignore them.

Graham: What did she look like?

Dermot, uncertain: Well...

Philip: Yeah, was she like all zombie-like?

Dermot confirms: She was pretty pale.

Graham: I heard she can't go out in the sun anymore.

Philip: Cool, she's like a vampire, she is!

Kevin turns around to the group: She's no vampire!

Dermot, warming to the attention: This is how she walks.
He gets up and walks around stiff-legged, with his arms stretched straight out in front.

Kevin watches him out of the corner of his eye, trying not to show interest.

Graham: Aren't you scared to be sleeping in the same house as her?

Philip: Yeah, you never know when she'll wake up and want to drink some blood!
He bares his teeth and grabs at a girl standing nearby.

The girl squeals.

Brendan enters. The kids see him and move to their desks. Philip shows his teeth to the girl again. She giggles.

Kevin raises his hand.

Brendan walks to the front of the room, turns and sees Kevin, nods toward him: Yes, Kevin?

Kevin: Sir, is it true that Assumpta--

Brendan corrects him: Mrs McGarvey.

Kevin: Sorry, Sir, Mrs McGarvey. Is it true that she came back from the dead?

Brendan half smiles: In a manner of speaking.

Philip turns and shows his teeth at Kevin.

Brendan speaks to all the pupils: When someone is in a coma, it's like being in a deep sleep that you can't wake up from. Some people never do wake up. But Mrs McGarvey was very, very lucky. She had the best medical care available, and lots of people around her who cared for her very much.

Dermot raises his hand.

Brendan: Dermot?

Dermot: Jesus also rose from the dead.

Brendan laughs shortly: Yes, but that was different. That was a miracle wrought by God.

Dermot: My Mum says Mrs McGarvey's recovery was a miracle, too.

Brendan looks thoughtful.

SCENE: Friday 9:00 am. Fitzgerald's kitchen.

Oonagh is sitting at the table, a light breakfast is in front of her. The door opens, Assumpta enters, bracing herself against the wall.

Oonagh looks up: Ooh, Assumpta!
She stands up quickly and comes around the table toward Assumpta: Let me help you.

Assumpta holds her hand up, palm out, in a stopping gesture, irritated: No. I'll make it. I can't keep relying on people to get around. These legs'll only get strong again if I use them.

Oonagh smiles, nods in a satisfied way: Can I get you some tea, then? It's already made.
She points at the teapot on the table.

Assumpta, appreciatively: Thanks, that'd be nice.
She maneouvers over to the table and carefully sits down.

Oonagh pulls out a cup and puts it on the table in front of Assumpta, pours the tea, sits back down: Where's Niamh? Will she be wanting some breakfast?

Assumpta shakes her head: Mm-mm. She had to leave early. Her little boy has an earache and misses his Mum.

Oonagh: I remember when my kids used to get earaches.
She grins: Now they make my ears ache with their music. Especially Dermot.

Assumpta smiles indulgently: You have two children, I hear?

Oonagh: Dermot's fifteen, Grainne's twelve. They're both very eager to meet you, after hearing so much about you.

Assumpta: From Leo?

Oonagh: From everyone. Leo hasn't been around much. That's why he hired me, I guess.

Assumpta echoes: I guess.

Oonagh and Assumpta are silent for a moment.

Oonagh, businesslike: Well. Speaking of work, I'd better go and get things set up. Leo went out earlier to pick up some supplies. I expect he'll be back soon.

Assumpta: I'll come, too. I'd like to take stock of the place again, get back into the swing of things.

Oonagh smiles: Sure.

SCENE: Friday 09:00am. Sunny. Street in Cilldargen.

Peter walks along the sidewalk toward a mailbox. He has an envelope in his hand. He stops at the mailbox, lifts the envelope to the slot in the mailbox, and almost drops it in. But then he pulls the envelope back, looks at it again, looks off into the distance, considering, and then continues walking, the envelope still in his hand.

SCENE: Friday 10:00am. Sunny. Street outside Fitzgerald's.

Leo is unloading Assumpta's van onto the sidewalk. Fr Vincent walks up.

Fr Vincent smiles, cheerfully: Good morning, Leo!

Leo looks up, lifts a box out of the van, noncommittally: Morning, Father.

Fr Vincent: All present and accounted for?

Leo, dryly: She hasn't run off yet, if that's what you mean.

Fr Vincent: Here, let me help.
He reaches his arms out to take the next box that Leo is unloading.

Leo fairly drops the box into Fr Vincent's arms, looks him in the eye while doing so.

Fr Vincent takes the box: You know, it'll take some time for her to adjust to life again.

Leo stops unloading the van, states neutrally: I don't recall asking for your advice.

Fr Vincent puts the box down, says gently: Maybe you should. I'm not on anybody's side here. If anything, I'm on the side of marriage, family, and honoring your vows. But that performance you put on last night isn't going to win you any points.

Leo, sarcastically: You know, Father, the last time I took a priest's advice he turned around and stabbed me in the back.

Fr Vincent, wisely: Maybe he wasn't speaking as a priest, but as a man.

SCENE: Friday 17:00. Fitzgerald's interior.

Padraig, Siobhan, and Paul are sitting at the bar with drinks in front of them. Oonagh is behind the bar.

Frankie enters, in uniform: Afternoon, Oonagh. Folks.

Everybody looks over at Frankie, nods: Afternoon.

Oonagh walks over parallel to Frankie: What can I get you? Or are you here on business?

Frankie steps up to the bar: A pint. Just coming off duty.
She looks around at the sparsely populated bar: Quite a bit calmer here than the last time I was in here.

Oonagh draws a beer and passes the glass to Frankie: We don't have events like that every night.

Padraig: More's the pity.

Siobhan frowns: What are you on about? Would you have someone go through what Assumpta's gone through every day just so you can get some free beer?

Paul volunteers: I'd go through what she went through myself if it meant free beer at the end of the day!

Laughter from all but Siobhan, who gives Paul a wise look.

Padraig, looking around: Where is our sleeping beauty, by the way?

Oonagh, leaning back against the bar, her hand on her hip: Leo drove her into Cilldargan this afternoon for her physical therapy. They aren't back yet.

Siobhan: Brendan thinks Leo's not giving Assumpta enough space to find herself again.

Padraig admits: He has been sticking to her like glue.

Paul: Maybe we can find a way to help her out.

Frankie: Are you talking about coming between a man and his wife?
She looks sharply at Paul: I'd think twice about that.

Paul smirks into his glass: That sounds like the voice of experience.

SCENE: Friday 18:00. Leo's car interior.

Leo is driving. Assumpta is in the passenger's seat, eyes closed.

Leo, sulkily: You could at least talk to me.

Assumpta, eyes still closed: I'm tired.

Leo, sarcastically: Didn't you sleep well last night all by yourself in that big bed?

Assumpta opens her eyes and looks at Leo, annoyed: No, if you must know, I didn't. And I've just had a full workout this afternoon.

Leo, accusatory: Well I didn't sleep well either. You think you're the only one who's had trials.

Assumpta, defensively: I didn't ask you to do all this.

Leo: I'm your husband, of course I'm going to help you.

Assumpta closes her eyes again, deflated: Leo, I'm not up to having this discussion right now.

Leo, angry: When then? You can't keep putting me off forever.

SCENE: Friday 18:30. Fitzgerald's interior.

Dr. Ryan, Brendan, and Paul are at the bar, along with some extras. Oonagh is behind the bar.

The door at the far end of the pub opens. Assumpta and Leo enter. Leo is supporting Assumpta by the arm.

Assumpta pulls her arm away from Leo, annoyed: Leave me, I can make it myself.
She walks slowly but steadily to the bar, obviously concentrating. When she reaches the bar, she steadies herself against it with one hand, and walks into the kitchen.

Leo looks at the assembled guests, then wordlessly turns and goes upstairs.

Dr. Ryan, Brendan, and Paul give each other serious looks with raised eyebrows.

Oonagh goes into the kitchen.

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's kitchen interior.

Assumpta is at the pantry, getting out some food.

Oonagh opens the door, stands in the doorway with one hand on the door, friendly: Anything I can get you?

Assumpta, icily: I am perfectly capable of getting my own supper.

Oonagh makes a long face: O-K.
She leaves.

Assumpta puts some things on the table, sits down heavily. She puts her elbows on the table, both hands up to her forehead and leans her face against them.

The door opens again.

Dr. Ryan looks in: Assumpta?

Assumpta clears her throat, looks up. Her eyes are red.

Dr. Ryan: Everything all right?

Assumpta: Fine.
She wipes her face with the palms of her hands.

Dr. Ryan steps all the way into the room, closes the door: Anything I can do?

Assumpta tries to smile: Is there a pill for making all your problems go away?

Dr. Ryan presses his lips together, takes a step closer to the table, holds up an envelope similar to the one Peter was carrying around earlier: It's not a pill, but I think it might make you feel better.
He drops the envelope onto the table in front of Assumpta.

Assumpta, curious: What's this?
She picks up the envelope, looks at the handwritten address: Why are you delivering this?

Dr. Ryan, mock serious: Top secret. Eyes only.
He smiles and leaves.

Assumpta opens the envelope, which was sealed, pulls out several sheets of paper with handwriting on them, riffles through them looking for the signature, looks stunned, then starts reading.

SCENE: Saturday 14:00. Rainy. Fitzgerald's kitchen interior.

Assumpta and Siobhan are sitting at the table, admiring Aisling.

Leo opens the door from the pub: Let's go, Assumpta.
He points at his watch.

Siobhan looks questioningly at Assumpta.

Assumpta grimaces: Torture time.

Siobhan looks shocked.

Assumpta explains, rolling her eyes: Physical therapy.
She stands up, bracing herself on the table: Is Oonagh out there? I just wanted to check with her before we leave.

Leo: Haven't seen her.

Assumpta: Well she was down here earlier, but she said she was going up for a quick lie-down after lunch. Maybe she fell asleep. Would you go and check, Leo? We should be opening up.

Leo: Sure thing.
He leaves.

CUT TO: Immediately after. Fitzgerald's upstairs hallway interior.

Leo knocks lightly on Oonagh and Paul's door: Oonagh?

The door flies open. It is Paul, on his way out: I wouldn't go in there if I were you.
He inclines his head toward the bed: Sick as a dog.

Leo tries to see past Paul, frowns: Oonagh?

Paul shakes his head: Looks like the grippe.

Oonagh's voice, off-camera, weak: I'm sorry, Leo, I won't be able to come down to the bar this afternoon. I'm in no shape to be serving up drinks in a public house.

Leo looks at Paul: Well could you--

Paul holds up his hand in a signal to stop, steps all the way into the hallway and closes the door behind himself: Sorry, mate, I've got me own business to attend to.
Walking down the hall, calls: Wish I could help you out.

Leo is left standing alone.

CUT TO: Immediately after. Fitzgerald's interior.

Assumpta and Siobhan, holding Aisling, are standing at the foot of the stairs.

Leo descends: She's ill. Can't come to work. We'll just have to open when we come back.

Assumpta, indignantly: We can't leave the bar closed all afternoon. With this weather we should do a good business.
She looks around, thinks, finally: I guess I can cancel the therapy.

Siobhan, quickly: No, Assumpta, your health is more important.
She turns to Leo, commandingly: Leo, you stay here and open up. I'll drive Assumpta into Cilldargan.

Leo protests: Siobhan, I couldn't ask you to do that.

Siobhan, firmly: You haven't asked. I've offered.

Assumpta, relieved: Oh, Siobhan, that would be great.

Siobhan, already on her way to the front door: You'll have to sit in the back, though. I've got Aisling's seat set up in the front.

Assumpta follows her, cheerfully: Gives me more room to stretch out.

Leo is left standing alone. He looks defeated.

SCENE: Saturday 14:15. Rainy. Siobhan's car interior.

Siobhan is sitting in the driver's seat, Assumpta in the rear. Siobhan buckles her seat belt, smiles at Aisling, starts the engine. She checks for traffic in the mirror and over her shoulder, then pulls out.

Assumpta: I really appreciate this, Siobhan.
She laughs shortly: I think if I missed one appointment, I'd never get up the willpower to go back.

Siobhan laughs: No problem.
She looks down at Aisling: We enjoy an outing, don't we, Aisling, even on a day like this.
She looks ahead, smiles, appears to spot something: Now I hope you don't mind, but this taxi is going to be taking on another passenger.

Assumpta, confused: What?

CUT TO: Immediately after. Rainy. Road in BallyK exterior.

Wide shot of the back of Siobhan's car. The car pulls over to the side of the road, stops next to Peter, who is standing on the roadside holding an umbrella. Peter closes his umbrella. The driver's door of Siobhan's car opens. Siobhan steps out, greets Peter, pulls her seat forward, and Peter climbs in. Siobhan replaces the seat and gets back into the car.

CUT TO: Immediately after. Rainy. Siobhan's car interior.

Peter, dripping wet, sits down on the rear seat next to Assumpta, smiles self-consciously: Hi.
He drips on the seat, tries to wipe it off with his hand: Sorry.

Assumpta looks at Peter, pulls back into the corner away from the wetness, surprised to see him: What are you doing here?
To Siobhan, curiously: What's going on here, Siobhan?

Siobhan suppresses a smile: I couldn't leave the poor man out in the rain, now could I?
She starts the car up and starts driving again.

Assumpta looks at Peter: What is this?

Peter protests: It wasn't my idea. Brendan rang me up last night and told me about this little subterfuge they had planned.
Raising his voice, for Siobhan's benefit, looking toward Siobhan: Of course, I didn't know it involved me standing out in a hurricane for half an hour!

Siobhan, looking in the rear view mirror: Now, Peter, with you no longer having a direct line to the chief weatherman, we have to take what we can get.

They are all silent for a moment. Peter and Assumpta look down. Then they look at each other and speak at the same time:

Peter: Did you read my--
Assumpta: I read your letter.

Peter smiles, nods, embarrassed: Good.
He looks at Assumpta questioningly, unsure: Good?

Assumpta smiles, with feeling: Good.

Peter smiles, looks down.

They are silent again for a moment. Peter looks at Assumpta again: I didn't know how else to talk to you, to explain things to you.

Assumpta pauses, then: I didn't remember all the details of what happened between us in the 24 hours before my accident, but I did remember the feelings.
She starts to get flustered: I mean, I do remember the feelings. I mean...
She exhales to calm herself, looks Peter in the eye: I still have those feelings.

Peter looks down, hold Assumpta's hands: Assumpta--

Assumpta quickly leans over and kisses Peter on the mouth. They hold the kiss steady for a couple of seconds, then Peter reaches up and holds Assumpta's head as they kiss more passionately for a few more seconds.

Siobhan looks in the rear view mirror, mock annoyance: Hey, you're steaming up me windscreen!

Peter and Assumpta break the kiss, smiling.

Peter turns to Siobhan: Keep your eyes on the road up there!

Peter and Assumpta look at each other. They cannot stop smiling.

Peter, hopefully: What do we do now?

Assumpta smiles, looks Peter in the eye: We do what needs to be done. Once we figure out what that is.

CUT TO: Wideangle birdseye shot of road and countryside. Rainy. Siobhan's car is driving along.

ROLL CREDITS.