Rose sniffed as the tear splashed onto the clean white linen. He was going, she could tell, and she found she couldn't help but cry. Though her hair had turned grey over the years, and her face had become a map of the happy times, the nineteen year old that he had rescued from that store room all those years ago still shone through. The kind, soft brown eyes that sparkled with mischief, and the wide smile that offered happiness and love. The Doctor smiled up at her, he had held on all he could, but he was old now, and his body was worn out, had he been a timelord, he would have regenerated, but he was human. And he wouldn't have had it any other way. "Rose," he started.
"don't." she reached out and put her hand in his, they still felt the same, comforting and strong. He had saved her so many times and she had never doubted him, ever. His ruffled brown hair, now soft white, and his high cheek bones, they still smiled, after all this time. It was his eyes that had changed the least though, deep brown, soulful and, well, perfect in every way. Rose smiled on the inside. "I love you." She said. "You know that." Her voice cracked.
"I know, but.." he tailed off, unsure of himself.
"I know Doctor, you've got to go." She smiled sadly at him. Her husband, her best friend, her Doctor. He had to go on now. To where he could never go before.
"Say bye to Sarah and Jack for me." He smiled at the thought of their children, who even now were saving the world in their own little way, carrying on the legacy of their father.
"I will, and you say hi to every one up there for me. Mum, Dad, everyone." She was scared for the first time in so many years, scared of what might come after he was gone. "Go now Doctor." She smiled through her tears. "Go, and I'll see you when you wake."
"Rose Tyler, I love you," He smiled. "never forget that. I'll see you in the morning." He closed his eyes for the last time as the life left his body, fading fast, like a rose in the chill of autumn. Rose held back a sob as she placed a kiss on his forehead. The Doctor may be gone, but she would see him again, of that she was sure. Now though, she had a job to do, carry on his work, live as he would. She got out of the hospital chair and walked to the door, as she pulled it open she caught a glimpse of a man standing in the doorway opposite, he was young, with floppy hair, and brown eyes. He also appeared to be wearing a bowtie. "Rose," he walked towards her. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, but I, he had to leave, there was nothing.." he stopped. "You'll see him again Rose Tyler, don't worry, you wi.." he tailed off again as he faded away.
Rose never saw the strange man again, not till the day she died. When she lay in her bed, surrounded by her family, all the lives The Doctor had touched. Then he came, leading a man in. The one in the bowtie came and squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry it took so long, but well, he does like to travel a lot doesn't he." He smiled and let go, turning round and walking out the room. The man he had brought with him took his place and Rose's hand. "Told you I'd see you again." He smiled. As she looked at him she saw their adventures, with Donna, and with Captain Jack and all the others. She saw it all in a second. Slowly, staring into The Doctor's eyes she left go. In the middle of the night she left, surrounded by those she loved, but there was one who she didn't leave behind, and never would. He came with her; there were new adventures and worlds waiting for them.