Chapter One; The News
Vivian looked into the room where she was attending Mr. McCrimmon and his very young wife, Rose. When the elderly man was admitted, she had thought that the age difference made Rose a gold digger, but after witnessing them interacting for the last two weeks, she had never seen a couple so in love. Not after ten years working as a doctor in this hospital. She was devoted to him and he looked at her like the only ray of sunshine in a dark world.
Sighing, she picked up the chart and walked into the room and was met with smiles from both of them. She hated to do this to them; take away their hope.
"Good morning Vivian. How is the blood work this morning?" Rose asked, mouth still set in a smile, but eyes showing weariness and a tinge of hopelessness. James looked at her with no fear or sadness. He already knew what was happening
"Well I think it is time I be straight with you. Mr. McCrimmon-…James… Your major organs are still failing, and we don't have a reason why. I was looking into the donor option, but unfortunately, you just don't qualify. You have lived an exceptionally healthy life but with the number of issues that you have combined with your age, you're just not a viable recipient."
The room was silent for a minute as the couple digested the words. Vivian could see James hand wrap around Roses and squeeze tightly.
"There is nothing to do then, yeah?" the young woman wasn't weeping or accusing as most would, just quietly accepting the truth.
James stayed silent and looked Vivian in the eye, expressing understanding.
"There is the option of using the new grown organs, but it's not something I would recommend for your situation. The organs can last a maximum of two months before deterioration begins and at your age, I doubt your body would handle the surgeries required. Medicine has come far in the last ten years, but not that far."
James finally spoke, with a strong and determined voice that Vivian knew meant he was being brave for his wife, because he had already come to terms with the inevitable.
"Thank you Dr. Lewis. Can we have some time?" His hand tightened around his wife's again.
"Of course. Just let a nurse know if you want to talk to me again or if you need anything. I'm very sorry." Vivian left the room, forcing her emotions back as she got on with her rounds.
"Oh James!" Rose said with a quiet sob, fists clenched in the sterile white blankets. He looked at her, his heart breaking not for himself but for the woman that he was leaving behind, again.
"Rose, sit up darling, we have things to discuss now. I am an old man and there is nothing we can do to stop time from taking me. It's just the way of things. We've had forty years, and I got to spend it with you. But you have to be keep being strong. My strong and beautiful wife..."
"James, I don't know what I'm going to do without you. There just isn't anything worth doing in this world…"
"Rose Tyler! You are the defender of the earth and a leader of Torchwood. You have billions of people depending on you to save this planet from every nasty invader who sniffs too close. I know because I have been doing it with you for half a lifetime."
"But what is the point if you're gone?" Rose asked, reaching to run her hand through his very grey and very thin hair. He took her hand and kissed the palm, holding her eyes, then nuzzled it.
"The point is that you're the most amazing and clever woman I have met in a thousand years and you will find a reason to go on, because the alternative is unthinkable. I may be gone, but there will always be people to save and love. When you can't find a reason, you run. Just keep running."
Rose sniffed and wiped her hands across her cheeks.
"Look at me! What a mess. I haven't been this emotional since I was in my forties. Here you are, like this, and I am being a selfish git. Sweetheart, we will get through this together, but not here. Not in a hospital. Let's go home."
"Quite right. I would rather spend my last days at home, surrounded by our family."
Rose leaned over the bed and kissed James, realizing that she had to savor every moment, because her precious Doctor was dying.