Ponds, rivers, Lake Silencio. Water. How could he be so daft to not see the connection? Big head, too big of head, too many thoughts. Amy and Rory.
Even from the beginning he should've seen this coming. He fell in the swimming pool within five minutes of regeneration. Never ignore a coincidence he heard his past self say. Unless you're busy. Then always ignore a coincidence.
In all the ways he has died before, he never thought this would be the way it'd go. Drowning, not once did he see the links. He 'died' next to a lake and still didn't think of it strange.
Cold, alone and, in the dark. Possibly the worst way to go…
Then there was light, a tiny speck far away. The speck of white light grew bigger, taking the form of a room. There was a voice, a low whisper, like a soft breeze. There was a word, just one word that he could hear, Sweetie, it sang like a quiet melody only meant for him.
You're here it said, he knew that voice. He turned and there she was, River Song. She looked the same as on trenzalore, same dress and wild hair.
Where exactly is here? I thought…
She looked pained.
I'm sorry, my love. Your time is up.
The Doctor's shoulders sagged; he knew her words were true the same way he knew this wasn't real.
River…
Shh, my love. This might not be real but I can still show you something that is.
Suddenly he could see Amy and Rory, they were happy, they were together. He could see them during holidays, always an extra chair at the table. Then the extra chair was filled by a young boy, bouncing happily. The Doctor felt sad and delighted at the same time. Seeing the Ponds grow old with their son was sobering. He missed them dearly but he was glad they were happy.
They never forgot you, Doctor. Up until they adopted they always set a place for you at the table.
He wept, bringing his hands up to dry his eyes.
They don't need me anymore. I guess I just needed them to be okay.
She nodded her head, understanding completely. Well, she had to, she was in his head after all.