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AMY (VO)*
Afterword by Amelia Williams. Hello, old friend.
And here we are: you and me, on the last page.
By the time you read these words, Rory and I will
be long gone, so know that we lived well and were
very happy. And above all else, know that we will
love you, always. Sometimes I do worry about you,
though. I think, once we’re gone, you won’t be
coming back here for a while and you might be alone,
which you should never be. Don’t be alone, Doctor.
And do one more thing for me: there’s a little girl
waiting in a garden. She’s going to wait a long while,
so she’s going to need a lot of hope. Go to her.
Tell her a story. Tell her that if she’s patient, the days
are coming that she’ll never forget. Tell her she’ll go
to sea and fight pirates. She’ll fall in love with a man
who’ll wait two thousand years to keep her safe.
Tell her she’ll give hope to the greatest painter who
ever lived and save a whale in outer space. Tell her:
this is the story of Amelia Pond. And this is how it ends.*
FADE IN:
INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM
THE DOCTOR enters at the front doors, despondent.
He closes the door and stands there for several beats, not moving.
He takes in the huge, empty space. RIVER SONG was here when he left, but now there's no sign of her.
He sighs.
He climbs the steps to the console. He stares at it for a moment, perhaps hoping it might just start on its own. The effort of piloting seems almost too much.
Wearily, he puts his hands on the console and leans his weight into his arms, knowing what he needs to do but lacking the energy, or courage, to do it.
Finally, he reaches for a lever.
A sound suddenly strikes his ears. A sound that makes his hand and his hearts pause: the sound of high heels clicking down the corridor.
The Doctor turns to see River enter the control room. She's still wearing her black corseted cocktail dress with her hair messily pinned up.
She's carrying a mug of something hot. When she sees the Doctor, her whole expression is energized.
RIVER
(hurrying up the steps)
Oh thank god! What happened?
The Doctor blinks at her.
RIVER (CON'T)
Doctor? What's wrong?
(Beat)
Why are you looking at me like that?
THE DOCTOR
I...I thought you'd gone.
RIVER
Well, I haven't. Obviously.
THE DOCTOR
Right...
Beat.
RIVER
Did you really think I'd leave you now, at a time
like this?
The Doctor, a bit dazed, says nothing. He can’t get past the fact that she's still here, and how relieved he feels.
River holds the mug out to him.
RIVER (CON'T)
Made you some tea.
THE DOCTOR
What?
RIVER
Tea. Thought you could use some.
He looks at her blankly, trying to process, but his mind is a muddle.
THE DOCTOR
Tea...yes...of course.
Beat. He musters a weak, but grateful, smile.
He carefully takes the mug from her and goes to sit in the jump seat.
River stands beside the console, considering the Doctor with sympathy as he sips his tea.
RIVER
Alright?
THE DOCTOR
Perfect.
(Beat)
Thank you.
RIVER
S'okay.
The Doctor nurses his tea. He studies the steam as it curls up from the mug and dissipates into the air.
Beat. River patiently tries to get him back on track.
RIVER (CON'T)
So, what happened?
He looks up at her questioningly.
RIVER (CON'T)
You ran off so suddenly.
The light bulb comes on at last.
The Doctor finally shakes off his distraction, rising purposefully from his seat.
He sets the mug against the time rotor and reaches into his jacket pocket.
THE DOCTOR
Went back for this.
He fishes out a folded piece of paper and hands it to River.
RIVER
What is it?
THE DOCTOR
Last page of your book.
She hesitates, holding the paper away from her as if it might explode.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
It's okay, you can read it. Can't do any harm now.
She exhales, unfolds the paper, and reads as the Doctor perches on the edge of the console with folded arms.
Beat.
RIVER
Well, there, you see? They're alright. They're happy.
Beat.
THE DOCTOR
We don't know that.
RIVER
She says so.
THE DOCTOR
She could be lying.
He begins to pace, circling the console.
RIVER
What? Why would she lie?
But the Doctor isn't listening.
THE DOCTOR
It's my fault. Should have known better – should
have been ready! I let my guard down for one
moment --!
RIVER
Doctor, stop --
THE DOCTOR
It happened again, like it always happens –-
RIVER
Doctor –-
THE DOCTOR
I lost them - I lost them, River!!
She intercepts him mid-pace and takes a firm hold of his shoulders.
RIVER
Doctor, listen – listen to me: there was nothing
you could have done. No way any of us could have
been prepared. Rory was gone before any of us
knew it, and Amy...Amy made a choice. And it was
the right one. One day you'll see that.
He stubbornly shakes his head, pushing her reasoning aside.
THE DOCTOR
No no no, there's gotta be something, some way –-
He turns to the console and starts to enter coordinates.
RIVER
Doctor, no --
THE DOCTOR
There's always a way!!
RIVER
Not this time!!
She slams down a lever. The Doctor is taken aback.
RIVER (CON’T)
You are being irrational and reckless. You know the
TARDIS can't go back there, it's too unstable.
(Beat)
You can’t be selfish now.
(Beat)
There were two names on that gravestone. They found
each other. They grew old together. That's what matters.
Beat.
THE DOCTOR
How can you say that? How can you be okay with
this?
River stares at him in disbelief.
RIVER
I am not okay. I am leaps and many, many bounds
from okay, and thank you so much for noticing,
but one of us has got to keep it together and right
now I'm pretty sure that's not you!
The Doctor stares hard at the console, refusing to look at her.
RIVER (CON'T)
Do you need me to slap some sense into you, because,
so help me, I will!
He turns a glare on her. She doesn't back down. Beat.
RIVER (CON'T)
Alright. Alright!
She storms down the steps towards the front doors. The Doctor watches her with mounting concern.
THE DOCTOR
What're you doing? River? River, no! Stop!!
He rushes after her.
She tears open the doors: the Time Vortex roars outside.
The force of it throws the Doctor back against the steps and pins River to the wall.
RIVER
(shouting)
Come on, scream! Scream all you want! Tell the universe
how unfair it is! Go on! Well, go on!!
The cloister bell begins to sound.
Gripping the railing, the Doctor struggles to his feet.
He reaches out to River; she mirrors him, fighting the force of the Vortex.
Finally, he clutches her hand in his. Their eyes lock, and instantly they each read what the other is thinking.
Together, they push towards the doors and, with great effort, manage to close them. The cloister bell stops.
They slump back against the doors, gasping for breath.
The Doctor glances sideways at River, a bit shaken, but her point is made.
He goes to the steps and sits heavily, head in his hands. River watches him. It hurts her to see him so broken.
RIVER
It wasn't your fault.
She crosses to the steps and sits next to him. A long beat.
THE DOCTOR
I knew. I mean, I knew it was coming. That one day
they’d eventually....Because they all do. They all leave,
one way or another. I was prepared...no, that's a lie –
but, I was expecting it at least...sort of, in a way, but...
not this.
(Beat)
Not like this.
RIVER
(gently)
I know.
Beat. The Doctor gazes sadly into the space before him, as if seeing the faces of everyone he's lost.
THE DOCTOR
Never gets any easier.
RIVER
No, I imagine not.
(Beat)
But you’re not alone.
She lays her hand on his. Beat.
The Doctor turns his eyes to meet hers: For how much longer?
He forces a smile and pats her hand. Then, without a word, he jumps up and goes to the console.
River remains sitting on the steps, confused and a little hurt by his attitude. She takes a deep breath and stands, turning to him.
RIVER (CON'T)
I think I’ll go and change.
The Doctor doesn't reply.
RIVER (CON'T)
Will you be alright for a bit?
THE DOCTOR
I'm always alright.
Her gaze lingers on him for a beat before she exits into the corridor.
She doesn’t see how longingly the Doctor’s eyes follow her as she goes out.
He throws a couple of levers and is half-heartedly tapping the scanner when he notices the mug resting against the time rotor.
She does so much for him, so much he takes for granted.
He picks up the mug and wraps his hands around it. The tea has gone cold.
He closes his eyes, inwardly chastising himself for his selfishness.
INT. TARDIS CORRIDOR – MINUTES LATER
River walks down a dim corridor. Out of the Doctor's sight, her weariness and inner turmoil are apparent.
She seems to be walking for an unusually long time without finding the room she's looking for.
The TARDIS, it seems, is twisting River's path.
Her step falters.
She places a hand on the wall to steady herself.
She tries to keep a tremor out of her voice.
RIVER
(to the TARDIS)
What are you doing?
(Beat)
Look, just stop it, okay?
She continues down the corridor, which remains relentlessly unchanging.
She walks faster.
She feels herself losing control, growing panicked.
RIVER (CON'T)
(to the TARDIS)
Stop it!
She rounds a corner and finds herself facing a dead end.
RIVER (CON'T)
(to the TARDIS)
Oh stop it, please, just stop it – stop it!
She pounds her fists on the walls.
THE DOCTOR (OS)
River...?
Beat. River remains facing the wall, her whole body tensed. Her voice is terse, defensive.
RIVER
What?
When he doesn't answer, she turns to discover the Doctor looking at her with a penetrating, mournful expression.
RIVER (CON’T)
What??
He says nothing.
RIVER (CON'T)
Don’t. Don’t you dare pity me.
THE DOCTOR
Wouldn’t dream of it.
Beat. The Doctor is stoic while River fairly trembles with frustration and grief.
Swiftly, before she can escape, he locks her in his arms, holding her tight.
At first she tenses in his embrace, refusing to give in, to admit she needs comforting.
The Doctor doesn't mind. He only wants her to know that he treasures her, that he understands how she feels.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
(whispers)
You're not alone, either.
River finally releases the breath she's been holding, inhaling and exhaling deeply several times.
A long beat.
Her body gradually relaxes against his. Her arms slide under his, encircling him.
In her high heels, she's nearly the same height as him. Her cheek brushes against his jaw.
He brings up one hand so that his fingertips can lightly stroke the back of her neck. She shivers slightly.
His lips find hers and offer her a tender, tentative kiss.
It's all the invitation she needs.
She returns his kiss. Her hands press against his back, fingers closing tightly on his jacket. His hands weave up into her hair, loosening the pins holding it in place.
Their kisses grow increasingly aggressive – greedy, hungry - giving and seeking mutual solace.
When her back meets the wall, he presses into her, thrusting a hand out against the wall to steady himself.
The wall isn't just a wall now, but a wall with a door. A door that slides silently open.
Grasping his shirt and lapels, River tugs the Doctor with her, and the pair disappears through the door.
It closes gently behind them.
INT. THE TARDIS - RIVER AND THE DOCTOR'S ROOM - LATER
River wakes amid rumpled, tangled sheets and bedding. She reaches out into the space beside her and discovers she's alone.
She sighs and turns onto her side.
Any disappointment she feels is soon banished by what she finds on the bedside table: a beautiful, impressive flower in a crystal vase.
The bloom is the size of a poinsettia with three times as many petals, all delicately thin and translucent as glass. It shimmers.
River props herself up on one elbow and reaches a hand out to the flower. When her fingertips touch the petals, the bloom is instantly awash in color.
She smiles, moved.
RIVER
Oh Sweetie...
The Doctor enters, fully dressed but without his jacket. He carries a tray with two mugs and a covered dish, which he bangs clumsily against the doorframe. He winces.
Cracking an eye open, he realizes River is watching him, sitting up in the bed, hair wild and tousled, sheet tucked around her, a crooked smile curling her lips.
THE DOCTOR
Oh! Hello, Sleeping Beauty.
RIVER
Sleeping Beauty was awoken with a kiss.
(Beat)
You're a bit late.
THE DOCTOR
Oh. Right.
(Beat)
Does that mean you don't want me to kiss you?
RIVER
I didn't say that.
THE DOCTOR
Then you do want me to kiss you?
RIVER
What do you think?
He stares at her with a deer-in-the-headlights look, trying to read the right answer in her face.
She gazes back at him like a sphinx, enjoying how this is torturing him.
THE DOCTOR
Yes...? I think...yes. I'm going with yes. Is it yes?
She breaks into a smile and laughs.
RIVER
Get over here!
He quickly sets the tray down at the foot of the bed.
RIVER (CON'T)
You really are the most exasperating man.
THE DOCTOR
I know. Usually works to my advantage.
He gives her a wide grin as he comes to sit down in front of her.
Beat.
RIVER
Any time...
THE DOCTOR
Oh!
He snaps to and cups her face with one hand while the other slips under her arm and draws her body close. It's a surprisingly deep and very earnest kiss.
RIVER
Well. Definitely awake now.
The Doctor blushes. The flower on the bedside table turns a warm pink.
RIVER (CON'T)
You're really very good at that.
THE DOCTOR
Well, I'm a fast learner.
RIVER
Don't I know it.
The Doctor blushes a deeper shade (so does the flower) and clears his throat.
RIVER (CON’T)
Love when your ears go all pink like that.
THE DOCTOR
You just like to torment me.
RIVER
Oh, you love it.
The Doctor huffs and smiles and strokes the backs of his fingers down her arm.
RIVER (CON’T)
You've been a busy bee.
THE DOCTOR
Yeah.
RIVER
Made a little stop, did we?
THE DOCTOR
Hm?
She indicates the flower at her bedside.
RIVER
Mobius Three?
He smiles bashfully.
RIVER (CON’T)
You remembered.
THE DOCTOR
How could I forget?
The flower flushes a deep mauve.
Beat.
River makes an airy gesture towards the tray at the foot of the bed.
RIVER
So, what have we here?
He grins, lifts the tray precariously, and sets it down between them.
THE DOCTOR
Made breakfast! Ta da!
He lifts the domed silver cover with a flourish revealing a fluffy omelet with slices of fruit decoratively arranged around it.
RIVER
My favorite!
THE DOCTOR
I know!
River takes in the savory smells, makes some pleasurable sounds, then narrows her eyes at him playfully.
RIVER
Are you trying to bribe me?
THE DOCTOR
What?! Oh, oh I see – I-I am shocked. Shocked!
And – and appalled that you would imply, even
suggest, that I would stoop to such – such tricksy,
underhanded, devious --
(Beat)
Is it working?
RIVER
It's a beautiful omelet.
THE DOCTOR
I should think so!
He turns in place to flop down next to her. She shifts over to give him room and automatically lifts the tray for a moment to keep him from upending it. He reaches over to the plate, pulls off a piece of omelet with his fingers, and downs it, quite pleased with his work.
River watches him, amused.
He grabs a strawberry next. On the point of biting into it, he notices River looking at him.
He looks back at her quizzically. Her eyes go to the strawberry, then back to his. At last he gets her meaning and offers the strawberry to her.
She leans closer and parts her lips provocatively.
His eyes darken, and he moves the strawberry closer to her mouth.
She bites into it, then rewards him with a kiss.
The flower swirls with reds and purples.
THE DOCTOR
Yowzah...
As they enjoy breakfast together, his fingers unconsciously play along her back, tracing circles into her skin.
Suddenly, he plants a quick kiss on her bare shoulder and springs off the bed.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Well, up and at 'em!
River gapes at him and gestures to all the dishes, and her lack of clothing.
RIVER
I'm going to need a moment!
He spins around in the doorway.
THE DOCTOR
Oh, you're fine. What've you gotta do – your hair?
It's always like that! Let's go! Come along, Pond!
He freezes. Beat.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Sorry. Habit.
Beat.
RIVER
Don’t apologize. I am a Pond, aren't I?
Beat.
THE DOCTOR
You certainly are.
He shifts awkwardly.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Take your time. No hurry.
And he's gone. River sighs.
The flower turns a deep blue.
INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM – A LITTLE LATER
River enters wearing curve-hugging jeans and a dark tank top.
She hurries up the steps to the console.
At first she doesn't see the Doctor anywhere, then she spots him at the front doors. She slouches against the railing and calls to him.
RIVER
Sneaking off?
He jumps and spins around to her.
THE DOCTOR
What? No – I never – I was just --
RIVER
(coming down the steps)
Save it. Whatever you’re doing, I’m coming with
you.
THE DOCTOR
(hastily)
Oh - no – you can’t.
River stops and stares at him, eyebrow raised incredulously.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Sorry – it's just...this really is something I have to
do alone.
Beat.
RIVER
I can help.
THE DOCTOR
(gently)
You can't. Not with this.
He takes her face in his hands, stroking his thumbs over her cheeks.
THE DOCTOR (CON’T)
Just gimme a mo', okay? Won't be long, I promise.
Beat. She’s disarmed by his sincerity and relents with a sigh and a nod.
RIVER
Can you at least tell me where we are?
He gestures to the scanner above the console.
THE DOCTOR
Have a look.
River studies his eyes for a moment before she turns and starts up the steps.
As she goes, the Doctor takes a deep breath, opens the door, and slips out.
EXT. A BACKYARD GARDEN ON EARTH, 1996 – EARLY MORNING
The Doctor pulls the TARDIS door closed behind him. He takes a couple of steps, then stops and smiles fondly.
THE DOCTOR
Hello, Amelia.
The 7-year-old AMELIA POND stands before him in her nightgown wearing her winter hat, coat, mittens, red wellies, and an eager smile. Her small suitcase lies on its side on the ground behind her.
INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
River turns on the scanner and sees the Doctor approaching Amelia.
Her breath catches. Her eyes tear up and she smiles, seeing her mother as a little girl. Now she understands where they are, and why.
AMELIA
(on the scanner)
I'm all packed! I'm ready!
THE DOCTOR
(on the scanner)
Yes, I see!
EXT. AMELIA POND'S GARDEN - CONTINUOUS
AMELIA
You said five minutes.
THE DOCTOR
Yes, well, about that --
AMELIA
Have you changed clothes?
THE DOCTOR
Well --
AMELIA
Is that a bow tie?
THE DOCTOR
Yeah! Cool, isn't it?
AMELIA
Uhhh...
THE DOCTOR
We'll come back to that.
AMELIA
Are we going now?
The Doctor hesitates.
AMELIA (CON'T)
I can still come with you, can't I?
Beat.
THE DOCTOR
Well, you see, the thing is, Amelia...I can't take
you with me. Not yet.
Beat.
AMELIA
Why not?
THE DOCTOR
It's...complicated.
AMELIA
People always say that.
The Doctor sighs.
THE DOCTOR
I know...
AMELIA
Have I done something wrong? Are you angry
with me?
THE DOCTOR
(kneeling)
Oh no! No no no, nothing like that! Never think that.
It's just...not time yet.
AMELIA
When is it time?
THE DOCTOR
It's not you, you understand? It's my fault. I made
a mistake, got the timing wrong...new body, new
TARDIS - it doesn't matter. But - I need you to do
something for me.
AMELIA
What?
THE DOCTOR
I need you to be...very patient. Can you do that
for me?
AMELIA
I think so...
THE DOCTOR
Don't give up on me, okay?
AMELIA
I won't.
THE DOCTOR
'Course you won't. Amelia Pond never gives up.
And she doesn't suffer fools. 'Specially me.
He pauses, his emotions threatening to get the better of him.
Amelia lays a comforting hand on his shoulder. The Doctor gives her a tearful smile.
He motions for her to sit on her suitcase. He joins her, scooching her over to sit next to her.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
You and me, we're gonna have such adventures!
Pirates, a whale in space...
AMELIA
No way!
THE DOCTOR
Yes way!
(Beat)
But there are bigger adventures waiting for you.
Life, Amelia, is the adventure. It's all in what you
do with it. And the people you meet along the way.
(Beat)
One day you'll be all grown up, getting married –-
AMELIA
Ugh!
THE DOCTOR
What? What's that for?
AMELIA
Married! Euh!
THE DOCTOR
What's wrong with it?
AMELIA
Mushy stuff...
THE DOCTOR
Ah. Mushy's not so bad. Someday you may not
mind it.
AMELIA
You're not married!
THE DOCTOR
'Scuse me - as it happens, I am.
AMELIA
Go on, you are not!
THE DOCTOR
Am so!
AMELIA
Really?
THE DOCTOR
Cross my hearts.
AMELIA
Have you got a wife, then?
THE DOCTOR
Yeah!
AMELIA
Where is she? Can I meet her?
THE DOCTOR
Don't worry. You will.
AMELIA
Is she like you?
THE DOCTOR
What am I like?
AMELIA
Funny. A bit weird. Bit mad, too. And brilliant!
THE DOCTOR
Yeah, she's like me. Nah – better. And prettier.
AMELIA
And do you love her very much?
THE DOCTOR
Yeah.
Beat. He’s responded without thinking, and his answer hovers in the air.
The Doctor's eyes turn to the TARDIS, where he knows River is watching. A faint smile ghosts across his face. He clears his throat.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Do you know a boy called Rory?
AMELIA
(rolling her eyes)
Yeah. Aunt Sharon says I have to be nice to him.
I guess we're sorta friends. He's always hanging
round me an Mels.
THE DOCTOR
Mels, eh?
AMELIA
Yeah, my best friend. Her name's really Melody,
but I call her Mels.
THE DOCTOR
Good name – Melody.
(Beat)
Your aunt's right, you know. You should be nice
to that boy. I bet he'd do anything for you. You
never know. He could be your future.
AMELIA
Rory? No way.
THE DOCTOR
Well. Never say never.
The Doctor winks. He rises and heads for the TARDIS. Amelia jumps up and follows.
AMELIA
Now can I come?
The Doctor sighs and turns back to her.
THE DOCTOR
Oh, my Amelia. Still not yet. You're gonna have
to wait a bit longer than that.
AMELIA
How long?
He kneels down to her once more.
THE DOCTOR
I can't say. But however long, believe me when
I say I will come back. I always come back. I promise.
On fish fingers and custard.
(Beat)
You have to believe, Amelia. You must never lose
that. Patience, Pond.
He tenderly kisses the top of her head then rises and goes to the TARDIS. At the door, he stops and turns back.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Oh - and tell your friend Mels: I look forward to
meeting her.
He smiles and enters the TARDIS.
Amelia watches as the TARDIS dematerializes, stirring up the dead leaves till they dance around her.
Left alone, she looks wonderingly up into the early morning sky.
AMELIA
A whale in space!
INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
The Doctor pulls the door closed. He stares at the floor for a moment.
When he looks up, his eyes meet River's.
She's standing on the steps, waiting for him, eyes glistening.
Wordlessly, the Doctor goes to her.
She strokes his face and gives him a comforting smile that tells him he did well.
He hugs her, burying his face against her neck. She envelops him in her arms.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM – LATER
River is at the console, piloting. The Doctor leans against the railing, watching, admiring her.
THE DOCTOR
Do you have to go?
She smiles sadly.
RIVER
You know what they say about absence and
hearts growing fonder.
Beat.
THE DOCTOR
What if you’ve got two?
Beat.
RIVER
Double the fondness?
Beat. They smile fondly at each other.
THE DOCTOR
So...you're a free woman now.
RIVER
In a manner of speaking.
Beat. The Doctor is suddenly struck with a thought.
THE DOCTOR
Where do you live now??
RIVER
Well, you can see for yourself, if you like.
Beat. River lands the TARDIS gently, glides past the Doctor, and heads down the steps towards the front doors.
THE DOCTOR
Oh! What – now?
He grabs the scanner and stares at the image displayed there. He points at the screen.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Are you – are you inviting me in? To your place -
house - thing?
RIVER
I was....
(shrugging)
If you want to. No pressure.
A long beat. The Doctor studies the image on the scanner.
RIVER (CON’T)
Right. Of course. Nevermi --
THE DOCTOR
Okay.
RIVER
What? Okay?
THE DOCTOR
Yes. Yes! What the hell! River Song's house.
Let's do this, I'm game.
Beat.
RIVER
You sure?
THE DOCTOR
Why? I just said --
RIVER
I know you said - but I also know you and
houses.
Beat. The Doctor comes down the stairs to meet her near the doors.
THE DOCTOR
I want to, River. Really.
Beat.
RIVER
Careful, Sweetie. You're in danger of being
serious.
THE DOCTOR
I mean it.
RIVER
You don't have to humor me, you know.
THE DOCTOR
I'm not! I don't - you just - wait -- !
Looking very conflicted, River takes hold of a door handle with one hand and cups his face with the other.
RIVER
Go, Doctor. Just go, and do...what you do.
I'll call you.
THE DOCTOR
River - River, please - please don't, don't run --
RIVER
I'll call. Take care, my love.
She kisses his cheek and abruptly slips through the doors, which slam shut in his face.
THE DOCTOR
But - but --
He turns to the TARDIS interior and flings his arms wide in a helpless gesture.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
What did I say??
The TARDIS emits a series of urgent noises.
The Doctor rushes up to the console and furiously starts mashing buttons and throwing levers.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Right. Fine. If that's how you want it - if that's how
you’re gonna be -- !
INT. RIVER'S HOUSE - WASHROOM - LATER
The sound of water - a faucet is running.
River stands at the sink in a clingy black slip and robe. Her hair is pinned up in a messy bun.
She bends over the sink and splashes cold water onto her face, hiding her face in her hands for a few moments before reaching for a towel.
She pats her face dry, and her eyes meet those of her reflection in the mirror above the sink.
She sighs and shakes her head at her reflection.
She turns off the light.
INT. RIVER'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
River comes out of the washroom and suppresses a gasp of surprise when she finds the Doctor in her living room.
He’s wearing round-rimmed glasses and looking thoughtfully at the framed photos on the wall.
The TARDIS rests by the front door.
River smiles in spite of herself as she crosses her arms and leans against the doorframe.
RIVER
Breaking and entering much?
THE DOCTOR
There was no breaking, I object to “breaking” -
you invited me!
(Beat)
I upgraded your security for you.
RIVER
(indulgently)
Thanks.
She comes to stand beside him. He points excitedly at different photographs of River with Amy and Rory.
THE DOCTOR
I took that one! And that one! And that!
River smiles.
RIVER
Where’d you get the glasses?
THE DOCTOR
Oh...
He pulls them off and examines them in his hand, avoiding eye contact.
THE DOCTOR (CON’T)
They were Amy's.
(Beat)
She was letting me try them on and, and then
I was holding them for her... I still had them when...
(Beat)
They help, you know. With the eyes.
Beat.
RIVER
I like them.
THE DOCTOR
Yeah?
He slips them back on and peers over the rims at her.
THE DOCTOR (CON’T)
Don't make me look too old?
RIVER
Are you really worried about that?
THE DOCTOR
Nah.
(Beat)
You shouldn’t be either.
River looks up at him, surprised, wondering if he's been reading her thoughts.
He keeps his eyes on the floor. He speaks very quietly.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Do you really think any of that matters to me?
River smiles gratefully, fighting tears.
He takes her hand.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
We really have done this all backwards, haven't we?
Beat.
RIVER
Couldn’t be helped.
(Beat)
I'm not sorry.
Beat.
THE DOCTOR
Nor am I.
He kisses her hand, keeping it pressed to his lips for several beats.
Before she can say anything, he turns back to the photos on the wall and gestures to one of River with a group in outdoor gear.
THE DOCTOR (CON’T)
Who are they?
River pulls herself together.
RIVER
Oh - my team. Colleagues from the university.
THE DOCTOR
Ah. More archaeologists.
RIVER
Yes, we breed like rats.
The Doctor tuts and rolls his eyes. Beat.
THE DOCTOR
Do they know you're...well, that you're...
RIVER
An ex-con?
THE DOCTOR
No! ...Married.
RIVER
Ohh...
(Beat)
They think I'm a widow. Which is true, in some
realities.
THE DOCTOR
Hm. And what do you say when they ask how
your husband died?
RIVER
They wouldn’t dare.
THE DOCTOR
Hypothetically.
RIVER
The truth, I suppose. Well, a version of it.
THE DOCTOR
Which version?
RIVER
Spoilers.
The Doctor smiles, amused.
They stand for a while, hand in hand, looking and not looking at the photographs.
RIVER (CON'T)
Fancy a cuppa?
He sighs and gives her a grateful smile.
THE DOCTOR
Please.
She starts to lead him towards the kitchen. They only make it a few steps before he stops.
THE DOCTOR (CON'T)
Actually, have you got any cocoa?
She gives him a warm smile and pulls him along with her.
Once in the kitchen, the Doctor starts poking into cupboards and opening drawers as River fills a kettle with water from the faucet and sets it to boil on the stove.
CHILDREN'S VOICES (VO)
Tick tock goes the clock,
And what, then, shall we play...
She gently pushes him away from the cupboards, pulls a container of powdered cocoa out of one of them, and hands it to the Doctor, pointing him towards a tall stool at the small kitchen island. He manages to get himself seated while eagerly opening the container and taking a deep, satisfied whiff.
River smiles indulgently as she opens another cupboard, pulls out two mugs, and turns to the island to set them down.
She deftly takes the container of cocoa from the Doctor before he dumps the whole thing into one mug. He's impatient and fidgety, hopping up and hovering around her as she pulls a spoon from a drawer and begins to spoon cocoa into their mugs.
CHILDREN'S VOICES (VO CON'T)
Tick tock goes the clock,
Now the Ponds have gone away?
With all her moving about, River's robe slips off one of her shoulders.
The Doctor's hand instinctively moves to replace the robe on her shoulder, but first he bends down to kiss her exposed skin.
She turns a soft smile on him and in a moment he's lifted her up onto the island.
She embraces him with her legs, pulling him close as she drapes her arms over his shoulders. He holds on to her waist as he presses his forehead to hers, letting their minds mingle as they kiss, cocoa forgotten for the moment as the kettle begins to whistle.
CHILDREN'S VOICES (VO CON'T)
Tick tock goes the clock,
Their family is smaller.
Tick tock goes the clock,
For River and the Doctor.
FADE OUT.