Two weeks :
Every night, I look up at the stars...stars that were so close to not being there at all. I go out alone now. I'm sure you understand. Can't be too careful. We used to stay up nights, Donna and I, talking about all the possibilities, which somehow got all wrapped up with a lonely man in a blue box, with the whole of time and space at his command.
Never again. "You must not tell her!" you said, and we never will. Even though, for a moment, she was the most important woman in the universe, if she ever found out...if she ever found out.
It's hard to imagine what that's like. If a memory could kill -- well, it can, you told us, so she can never have it back, but it's hard. So many people know her name...at least most of them live on Mars, right?! Funny, that. I know she doesn't even believe in Martians anymore, but I'll believe for the both of us, and that's enough. It'll have to be.
Six months :
It was a rather long time before I could tell that my girl Sylvia, was different somehow. At first, after she tried to throw you out, she was so angry. Even though she'd said it herself, and you heard her say it -- Donna was still the most important woman in the universe to her -- she still couldn't...or wouldn't say it to Donna!
Days went by, and she hardly spoke to Donna at all. When she finally did, she was worse than ever. Poor Donna was ready to move out, and nothing I could do or say could make her change her mind. Stubborn as anything, that girl, just like her Mum, with me stuck in the middle, but then, something happened.
Something changed, really changed, deep inside. Donna was more amazed than I was, when suddenly, Sylvia told Donna she loved her, and she didn't want her to go...just like that! I can't tell you how amazing that was! I won't ask Sylvia about it -- don't want to jinx it, you know, but I want to thank you for it anyway. Maybe all she needed was a little time for what you said to sink in!
Things are very different now that my girls are talking again. Sylvia makes it a point, almost every day, to tell Donna how brilliant she is, and she's not just saying it, Doctor. I think now, she finally believes it, and even if Donna doesn't quite believe it herself, it's made them both a little bit better.
One year :
We were a bit worried when he came into her life. A man, who seemed to know her, but was too tongue-tied to say. At least we don't have to worry about Lee giving away any secrets -- if he has any secrets to keep, they're all locked away, safe behind the stammer. Not that she minds it. Donna more than makes up for his stutterin', and he's good for her, and that means a lot. I think I can safely say that Donna's happy now, and perhaps this man can make her better. Not like you did, Doctor, but you can't have everything. When I give her away at the wedding, I'll remember you for the both of us.