Later, the Doctor met up with Clara in the console room.
"I heard you talking to someone," she said suddenly.
"Hum? Oh yes, it was a ghost!" he said cheerily.
Her eyebrows rose, "You're lying. If you have someone else on board why don't you just say so?"
He gave her a brief smile, "Because there is no one else on board."
"Then who are they?" she asked, pointing towards the two women across the console room.
"Donna. Martha," he said, his voice reverent.
"Who are they?" Clara asked him.
The dark skinned beauty responded when the Doctor did not, "We are psychic echos of past companions," she replied brightly.
"You've had other people traveling with you?" Clara demanded of the Time Lord.
"Well, yes," he said, as if it was the most obvious. "Donna, I am so sorry. Everything that happened to you, it was my fault."
"Oi, time boy! Don't you dare regret any of the things we did! I was the most important woman in all creation once, and it took being with you to realize it!" she shouted at him.
He flinched at the loudness of her voice. "But I had to erase your memory, I had to take away all the years you were going to stay with me."
She smiled at him, "You were my best mate, and even though I don't remember any of it, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. If I could remember on Earth, I'd find you again, if only just to say thank you! Look at you now! A rectangle with hair! And a bloody goofy bow tie!"
"Oi!" he defended, smiling a little, "Bow ties are cool!"
Donna scoffed, and nudged the woman beside her.
"Doctor, you are loved by so many, and so much. You taught me how strong I was. I grew as a medical student with you, and became the best person I could be with you," she told him with pride in her voice. "I met Mickey because of you."
He stared at his brown shoes, "I hurt you, Martha. In the worst of ways. And it was my fault. I was always too wrapped up in what I felt, and I pushed you away. I didn't even notice that you had even the remotest romantic feelings for me."
"Doctor," she said, commanding his attention. "Look at me." He did so. "If you were to find me on Earth, you'd find I'm better for having known you. I'm stronger, happier, and having a more fulfilling life than I ever thought possible. I forgave you a long time ago. In fact, just like Donna, if I ever found you again, I would tell you thank you, for all that you've given me."
The two older women looked at each other and nodded, and said in tandem, "It'll be okay, Doctor."
With that, the two women faded from view.
Clara looked at the Time Lord, who looked tired, but very relieved, as tears seemed to flow down his face.
"Well, Doctor," he looked at her, "looks like you have some stories to tell me!" she said with a smile.
The Doctor conceded and brought her to the library. And as he spilled his secrets about his companions, Clara listened. Clara was always a good listener. Here he was parading out his biggest failings, and she just listened. Full of sympathy and acceptance. He told them about his most recent ones. About Amy, Rory, Donna, Martha, and even Jack and Mickey. But for some reason, he left out the one companion that had left one of the biggest hole in his hearts. It was too private, even for his friend.
