The Good Samaritan

Laura arrives at Northampton General Hospital after visiting hours to see Nate. She checks his usual ward but cannot find him. She recalls their teenage years with their abusive foster mother, Sylvia Hughes, who was addicted to heroin and kept a separate, clean apartment to deceive social services. Once, Sylvia brought a dazed and injured Nate back to their squalid apartment. Laura brought him pizza and tended to his bruises, comforting him; it is implied that he had been sexually abused.

Returning to the present, a doctor named Dr. Khatri confirms that Nate is not currently registered as a patient. Laura, who is Nate’s emergency contact, asks the doctor to speak with Nate about his deteriorating health if he should see him again.

Laura and Mary give a presentation about the End of the Line helpline to the Northants Women’s Circle, an assignment from their supervisor, Janine. Laura internally expresses contempt for Mary’s earnestness. She reflects on her own history with the helpline, recalling how she deliberately manipulated the psychometric tests during her application process to secure the position.

Laura thinks about her desire for a new candidate to guide, as her current one, Steven, is pending his final qualifying call.