Life is so well organized for the Callenders: Fergus has a new job in a Lichfield practice; Kate gives birth to their first child, Lucy; and Maggie, Fergus's mother, is on hand to help, living in the granny flat attached to their Victorian house. Then three months later, tragedy strikes when Lucy dies while in Maggie's care. The family is devastated. Kate finds herself way behind Fergus on the path to recovery and Maggie is tortured by guilt. Although Kate doesn't blame Maggie in her mind, in her heart she does. Breaking point is reached when Maggie steals someone else's baby. Kate leaves, desperate for her own space, and Maggie goes into voluntary psychiatric care. Fergus is ready for consolation, and Zoe, the practice receptionist, is willing to give it. The family's struggle for survival begins.