Epilogue: Forward
On their way back, Jenny asked, "Did you read my poem?"
"No," he said, sounding surprised. "I thought it was only supposed to be read if you … afterwards."
"Well, that was the idea," Jenny said. "But I didn't die, so I guess you can read it if you want."
"Do you want me to?"
"Feels like a waste of effort if you don't."
When they stopped, the Doctor unfolded the paper slowly with slightly trembling fingers. It wasn't titled.
Born with two hearts, now
One poisoned core—
The second buried, too far,
Under six billions' blood or more.
Beckoned by stars,
By the red planet's grave,
A path mapped for home,
I'll see you one day.
Those days that are blank
Still exist in your mind
And there they will stay,
Keep them safe, and please find
Some peace. My Doctor, my Doctor,
I want to say Dad,
Remember me please as I am
And was, and don't be sad
Too long. And don't try to snatch
Me from the Master's jaws,
He'll win the race, and you'll lose all.
You know the cause.
My breath is leaving and
My heart-gap aches
But don't cry, it's okay
I accept what it takes.
To chase away the toxin,
One heart is not enough
But it's enough for, even a
Single day, to love
You. I love you, Daddy.
Thank you, Daddy.
Just one last thing to say
It's okay
I chose this way—
It wasn't your fault I passed away.
"It's not quite … I mean I wrote it kind of rushed. Normally I go over and over a draft; it needs some more work …" Jenny said awkwardly, but the Doctor shook his head.
"No, leave it. Don't alter it. It wouldn't be right to." He made to give it back to her, but she wouldn't take it.
"I wrote it for you, Dad. It's not a goodbye anymore, but I want you to keep it anyway."
He hugged her. "I'll treasure it always."
The Doctor stepped down from the ladder and removed the sonic screwdriver from his teeth. "Well, what do you think?"
A week had passed. He and Jenny were standing in the living-room of a two-bedroom flat, just around the corner from Bannerman Road, surrounded by boxes of Jenny's human possessions and one of her paintings hanging on the wall.
Jenny surveyed it critically. "I think it's straight now."
"Good," the Doctor said in relief. "Because you'd be adjusting it yourself if it still wasn't to your satisfaction." Jenny giggled.
Despite Sarah Jane's willing hospitality, the Doctor had decided it was about time he and Jenny found somewhere to reside. The flat was obviously a lot smaller than the TARDIS, but he had mumbled something about making adjustments … whatever that meant. In the meantime, it was just a question of moving everything in—not that they had that much between them.
Jenny had been unable to access her few belongings from before the chameleon arch, as when she had met the Master she had been in another time altogether. So she had gone through the possessions that had been given to her when she had become human and taken what she wanted.
It still made her shiver, how for the briefest period of time, she had fallen for the Master's lie—believed him to be her father, regenerated. It hadn't taken long for her to figure out he was lying, but by that time it was too late.
Still, in a weird way, she couldn't help feeling grateful. She had not had access herself to time travel technology—if the Master hadn't kidnapped her and placed her where the Doctor was sure to find her, the two might never have found each other. After all, the universe was a big enough place … and infinitely bigger for a time traveller.
It was a very strange feeling. Jenny was trying not to think too hard about it.
"So," the Doctor said, breaking her train of thought. "Want a hand unpacking?"
"I think I'm okay, Dad. You should really be getting yourself something to unpack." Jenny looked pointedly at his suit, which was definitely the worse for wear. "Like, a change of clothes would be welcomed. You've worn that thing about ten days."
"I'll have you know it's been washed during that time," he insisted.
"My point still stands though."
"Hmm … all right, I'll buy some clothes. I should probably get some groceries as well," the Doctor said thoughtfully, and picked up the flat keys. "Will you be all right here by yourself for a while?"
"Dad. I spent three weeks trekking through the Gungiav jungle, alone, pursued by the very fast, carnivorous natives." His eyes widened and he looked torn between concerned and impressed. "I think I can handle a couple of hours in a flat."
"Point taken." He moved to the door, but stopped as a mobile phone rang, and dug in his pockets. "Where is it … where … ah!" He held the mobile to his ear. "Sarah Jane? … Slitheen, eh? … 'Course we're interested. We'll meet you there." He hung up.
"Aliens?" Jenny said eagerly.
"Yep! Jenny, you're in for a treat. Grab a jacket, and remind me to stop off for some vinegar. We've got an awful lot of running to do!"
The End
AN: Sequel, I hear you ask? Honestly don't know. Watch profile.