This is inspired by the new pictures of Billie Piper filming for Dr. Who ... I know, back again! You'd think we'd be getting bored by now!
(Well, at least most of us are.)
He rose from the floor of the TARDIS, head aching.
His head always ached.
He wished he wasn't alone this time ... he'd been so fond of his old body, so fond of its energy and wiryness; it would have been nice to have someone with him, someone to say goodbye to.
He looked in the mirror.
Well ... It could be worse ... I could be - bald - again. And at least my hair's still pretty fantastic!
He stumbled out into the street. Where had he landed? He didn't even realise he'd been driving the thing!
Snow covered the street, falling from the sky like dust. He stood, bewildered.
Two women were walking down the road, arguing. They both had blonde hair - although one was clearly older - and visibly resembled one another.
His heart skipped a beat. Would he ever escape her? This effervescent, caring girl. He was tormented by her, propped half way between heaven and hell for her.
"Rose!" he shouted.
"Do I know you?" She looked distinctly confused, although not altogether unimpressed ... Something wasn't right here.
"It's m - Hold on, what year is it?"
"Are you mental?" Jackie chimed in. "Blimey, drunk already and it's only six o'clock!"
"Well, it is Christmas after all!" Rose beamed. "It's two thousand and four. Well ... nearly two thousand and five, if you're being picky, but ... Are you okay?"
The Doctor gulped. "I'm always okay." He reached out and stroked her arm. God, this feels so natural ... He swallowed again. "You're going to have a fantastic year, Rose Tyler!" He turned and pelted in the opposite direction.
"You do get some weirdoes this time of year ..."
"Oh, shut up, mum."
Rose stared after the strange man. She couldn't place it, but she had the strangest feeling she'd seen him before.