When Ponds and Sophie went inside, Doctor stopped River.
-So what did you find?
- Not much. That was kind of echo of me. Trapped inside that body. I guess all of me didn't fit into Library... But now that I'm back, it disappeared. It didn't belong here.
- Everything will be ok now, then? If it's gone we don't have to worry about searching for "other" River. Do you think we should tell Sophie?
- And tell her what, exactly?
- Well we could make something up... or not.
- I don't want to lie to her. And I don't remember her, I don't even know her. I wasn't there. I mean when Dorium told me about that echo I've got few memories of that life but it's just pieces and flashes. How do I explain that I'm River and yet I'm not her River. Yet still what happened to her mother was my fault.
- It wasn't your fault River. Like you said, you weren't there. You can't blame yourself.
River was about to respond to that but was interrupted by Amy.
- Are you two going already or what? You are taking ages here.
- Well you look good for your age then Amelia. - said Doctor smiling innocently.
- Oi, what's that supposed to mean? You are forgetting that you are not forgive yet. I still might change my mind, and believe me you don't want this!
- Easy mother dear. Just ignore him. He didn't get his dose of sugar for today so he's like cranky 5 years old.
-I'm not!
- Yes, you are.
- No, I'm not!
- Hush now or no dessert for you.
- Well can't say I needed that picture in my head. Gross. - Amy said flinching.
- Get your mind out of the gutter! Last thing I need is an image of you picturing that. Inside now. Both of you.
- Melody you don't have a right to boss me around – pouted girl but followed archaeologist inside – It's my job! I could get you grounded for that. - she added.
- Why does she said that? - asked Rory. River couldn't get in trouble in three minutes, right? Oh who was he kidding of course she could. More than once even.
- Because she's delusional. She thinks she can treat me like a child. I'm over 200 years old for heaven's sake!
- Well I assure you, you don't look one fifth of it.
-Oh, Doctor have you heard that old saying about flattery?
- That it will get me anywhere? - he replied cheekily.
- Charmer.
- Only for you my dear.
- Really? What else only for me do you have to offer sweetie?
- And stop! In case you don't remember. I'm Rory. I'm right here. I have a sword. And I don't like where this conversation is heading.
- You have a sword? - asked Sophie excited by the prospect of sword fight.
- Yes he have, and no you can't play with it. It's not a toy. - River was first to answer, quite aware what was going inside Sophie's head.
- Not fun. - said little girl huffing and crossing her arms.
- So is life. How about that, you will go with Amy and she will tell you everything about Disneyland, ok?
Sophie sighed dramatically but went with redhead. It went awkwardly quiet then. Both Rory and Doctor wanted to continue their conversations with River but neither got the nerve to find out who was more important. Eventually Rory was the one who break silence.
- I didn't knew that children that age are so chatty and witty.
- Neither was I. - replied Doctor and said nothing more just left the control room. But there was something in his voice. Something that told Rory that they managed to find themselves in more problems that he assumed at first. Normal day with the Doctor, isn't it?
Doctor stopped outside the room and rested his head against the wall. Something was wrong. He could feel it. The facts. You need the facts Doctor. Then it will all make sense. But where to start. The beginning. Oh yes the beginning…
So you've met a woman and she died. Then your curiosity got the better of you and you wanted to know who she was and why she died saving you, how she could knew your name. Eventually you got your answers. But they were more that you could have imagined. Not only she died because of you, but also you died because of her. And then you didn't. She loves you more than she cares about any other living thing in the universe. Sometimes it feels like she does even more than that. You love her too of course. You are not very good at loving. Loving for you means losing. She's already lost for you. There is nothing you could do. Not that it stops you from loving her even more. But then when you lest expect it, when you think your hearth healed enough to take deeper breath without missing her…
The stubborn being that she without doubt is she comes back. Better. She comes back to you. And you couldn't be happiest. It's your own private miracle. It's amazing and impossible and you finally let your hearth hope there will be more time for you. No more back to front. No more secrets. No more lies she says. But you know it's a lie. Doctor lies and so his wife. You should have expected it. So why are you sulking? Why are you having this deep monologue that you know isn't going to help you instead of using your time with her? Because despite all, or maybe because of all that happened, you are like them when it comes to a lot of things. You are like human. You still care. You know that she doesn't need your help but you couldn't have lived with yourself knowing you didn't do anything. That means you have to find out. Even if it breaks your promise. Even if you shouldn't. She won't tell you. She won't trust you with this secret. And with every second that pass you can feel that she's running away from you. For now only in her mind, but you fear it may tear you apart for good. And that will be the death of you. When she will be back but not yours to run with, to travel with, to love. It looks like after all Melody Pond and silence will be your outdoing, but not in a way you thought it will.
- You know something don't you? Oh Old Girl. Your daughter, even better at not answering my questions than you are. I hope you are proud of her. Who am I kidding of course you are, she's your favourite. You always help her in a way. I want to help her too. Please, please let me help her. Give me a clue. One small clue. Something that I can start with. That's all I'm asking for.
But she didn't answer. She never does. Not when there still is something he could do… That means that he didn't lose River yet. Not a clue exactly, but hope is more than enough sometimes.
