"Doctor...you're scaring me...you make it sound like I can't go with you anymore.."
The Doctor looked at me sadly, as if this was breaking his own hearts, "I'm sorry, but this is where we say goodbye."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing, I couldn't travel with him anymore? No...I made a promise on the first day and I'm keeping it.
"Doctor..I made you a promise...I promised I'd make sure you didn't have to be alone anymore, I intend to keep it."
He shook his head, "That's just it. It's not a promise you can keep."
I knew what he meant...as a Time Lord...he'll live for a lot longer than I will. But I didn't want that to stop me from continuing on as his companion. I couldn't find something to say as he continued.
"It's been fun having you along, but you have a life with friends and family here that I won't let you leave behind. You can't come with me this time, but maybe we'll see each other again."
I sighed, he's winning this discussion like he has a lot of others...sometimes I hate when he's right.
"That's all I can hope for...it's just..you're the best friend I've ever had and all the things you showed me have been wonderful and I want to see more. It's an adventure I'll never forget."
I wanted to say more, really I did, but it wouldn't matter, all I could do was give him a last hug, if we did meet again, he might not look the same and I might just think of him as another person passing by.
"Be safe."
He returned the hug, he's learned how much of a hugger I am. The hugs he returned had always been brief..but this time he held the moment as long as I did. He smiled when we finally let go,
"Keep up that art of yours...trust me, everyone will know you for it."
I nodded with a smile and waved as he returned to the TARDIS. I couldn't hold back the tears as I watched it disappear. I hope we'll meet again in the future.
Until then.."Goodbye, Doctor."