The Doctor stood in the driveway, staring up at the imposing edifice. "The Sisters of Grace Home for Orphans," he muttered. "Not very homey." He straightened his tie, walked up to the entrance and rang the bell. After a few moments, a young nun opened the door.
"Can I help you?" she asked, looking warily at the Doctor.
"Yes. Hello." He reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a wallet. He opened the flap and showed the piece of paper to the girl. "John Smith, Building Inspector. I understand that this building is to be demolished soon. I just need to verify that everything is in order and that there is nothing in the building that could cause concern for the demolition crews."
The girl opened the door wider. "Please come in, sir. I'll get the Mother Superior." As the Doctor stepped into the entry hall, the girl closed the door behind him and rushed off. He could feel – something – but was unable to investigate further as more nuns were constantly passing through the hallway, giving him odd looks.
"Mr. Smith? I'm Sister Beatrice. I understand you are here to look over the building."
He turned at the voice. A much older nun approached him and held out her hand, which he shook firmly. "Good day, Sister. I apologize for dropping in without notice, but I was in the area for another assignment and I thought I would stop by while I had the time."
"No need to apologize. There are so few of us here any more that there is not much to be done for visitors. Where would you like to start?"
"Well, I don't know. Perhaps you could guide me?"
Her piercing blue gaze met his brown eyes. "Of course. I would be most happy to." They headed down a nearby hallway, making small talk. It wasn't until several rooms had been toured that the Doctor began to suspect he was being given the run-around. He decided to take a bit more of a direct approach.
"Tell me, Sister, have you experienced any strange occurrences here?"
"Strange? In what way?" she responded calmly.
"Well, in buildings this old, oftentimes people feel as if the walls are alive. As if spirits or the ghosts of the past inhabit the building with them."
"Oh, Mr. Smith. We don't believe in that sort of thing. This building is just that – a building. A shell. A shelter from the elements. It has been my home for many years and, while I shall be sad to see it go, I have a new home waiting for me."
"I see," the Doctor said. "So there is nothing here to worry about?"
"Absolutely not." They returned to the entrance hall, and Sister Beatrice turned to face the Doctor. "I presume all is in order?"
"Yes. Yes – everything is fine. Thank you for your time, Sister. I hope the move to your new home goes well for you."
"Thank you, Mr. Smith." She escorted him to the door, and closed it firmly behind him.
Halfway down the driveway the Doctor looked back at the building. He was certain he could feel something in there calling to him. Sister Beatrice had been hiding something, but there was nothing he could do. Frustrated, he continued down the driveway and walked to the nearby town. He was unaware of the several sets of eyes watching him.
*~*~*~*~*
The Reverend Mother returned to her office and summoned the young girl who had answered the door. The girl stepped into the office and, before the older woman could speak, began asking questions.
"Reverend Mother, why did you send him away? He was the one! Did you not know that? I could feel it trying to tell you. How could you not have felt it?"
"Hush, child!" Sister Beatrice said sternly. "You know not to speak of such things." The girl hung her head in defeat, but the Reverend Mother continued. "Now, I need you to do something for me. You must go to the market in town. We are in need of fresh fruits for our dinner tonight. It is early, so take your time. Perhaps you can chat with some of the people in town; after all, you will be living amongst them soon."
The girl looked up, meeting the Reverend Mother's gaze. A silent conversation passed between them, and suddenly the girl understood. She nodded. "As you wish, Reverend Mother."