The walls kept tumbling down,
In the city that we love...
They say that nothing hurts more than saying goodbye. They say nothing is harder than saying that one word. (Goodbye). But, some believe otherwise. Some believe that the most painful, the most difficult feat to achieve, is returning to those you have left. To those you had to say goodbye to.
A wisp of a smile shadowed the Doctor's features, as he stared down at the console of the TARDIS, humming along, subconsciously, to its familiar whir. He was alone, in essence, but not in company. The Ponds were off exploring the little blue box - or, perhaps they were trying out the bunk-beds again. He frowned for a moment; they certainly tried out the bunk-beds a lot... He shrugged it off, pulling down on a lever, pressing a few buttons, and turning a few knobs. Moments later, the machine was screeching, as they traveled through time and space, to a whole new world. Or, so they thought.
The TARDIS came to a shuddering halt, and the Time-Lord heard footseps from within the depths of his box; the Ponds were on their way. He decided it was safe to assume that he could venture outside - his companions knew him well enough now, and, if he wasn't at the console, he was probably exploring whatever planet or period they had landed in. A childish excitement, that had followed him for his entire being, rose within him, as he pulled open the door of the police box.
"Oh!" This was not what he'd expected, not at all, and as he stared out at the red, snow-capped mountains, and the sky, that burned orange, he couldn't hold himself anymore. His legs refused to function, and he collapsed, kneeling in the doorway of his space-caravan, utterly helpless. He had lost all control of his senses, and his hands were shaking like mad. His eyes had filled up with tears without him even realising.
"Doctor? Doctor, where are y - what's wrong? Doctor, tell me what's wrong." Amy commanded, storming up behind him. Her maternal instincts had kicked in, upon seeing her Raggedy Man in a heap on the floor. She was somewhat of an overbearing companion, but both the Doctor and Rory put up with her, nonetheless.
The mystery of a man whimpered something incoherently, still trembling, his eyes wide, bloodshot, and over-flowing with tears. Finally, he found the capacity to croak out a word. Just one word. But that was all they needed.
"Gallifrey."