Chapter 12
The Doctor stood in front of the TARDIS. Merry was holding Stjarna, who was holding the doll that Merry had brought for her from Earth.
"When I first met you, what, three days ago?" Merry started, "You told me you would help me find peace and closure. I didn't think that was possible. But you did it. You helped me to believe in the impossible. You helped me see I was strong and that my life was still worth living. You have brought me peace and joy. How can I ever thank you?"
"Help rebuild this world Merry." The Doctor smiled. "Take care of Stjarna and be happy."
Merry's eyes filled with tears again, but not the tears of loss and despair that she had felt so often. These were tears of joy. Merry pulled the handkerchief out of her pocket and began to dab her eyes.
"Oh, this is yours Doctor. I'm afraid it is rather messy." Merry held up the handkerchief.
"No worries," the Doctor said. He took the handkerchief from Merry. Merry was sad to part with his. She had come to love its soft texture and calming smell of the Doctor that it carried.
The Doctor reached into his coat pockets and pulled out a fresh handkerchief. He gave it to Merry. "Something to remember me by."
Merry took the silky handkerchief and held it up to her face. "Thank you," she said.
"Best wishes to you," the Doctor said. He pulled Merry and Stjarna into a hug. They hugged him back.
Merry kissed the Doctor on the cheek. "Take care," she whispered in his ear. They pulled away from each other. Merry took several steps back and watched the Doctor as he walked into the TARDIS and closed the door. Moments later Merry heard the engines on the TARDIS start to hum. She and Stjarna watched as the TARDIS dematerialized. They waved. When the blue box was out of sight Merry wiped away a tear. She looked at Stjarna and hugged her tight.
"Come on, dear. Let's go home."
