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I thought he had forgotten about me. Well, I suppose that’s not true. I knew he was still out there, being his gruff, old self standing tall with his walking stick in hand. He would smile whenever he was asked about it as he knew the answer wouldn’t please the one asking. Oh, how I missed Grandfather during these long years.
The last time I had seen him, he was still with my schoolteachers, Ian and Barbara. I missed them too. They didn’t ask to be taken on this journey, but Grandfather wasn’t having it. He hated the idea of being discovered. He feared it. Grandfather wasn’t afraid of much, but that got under his skin. I still remember him hiding that fear under arrogance when he met them.
Humans were an enemy, not a friend as I had concluded. While some of my peers had their own issues, I still enjoyed England in the 20th century. As much as I missed my home planet, Earth had become like a second home to me.
But, such as life, Grandfather whisked us all away because he didn’t want to accept that humans were good. As much as I don’t agree with his decisions then, I have to admit that the adventures were fun. They were chaotic and fun, but certainly not in the moment.
The Sensorites were such a unique species. I was ecstatic when I could communicate with them. It’s a shame Grandfather talked me down.
Being about the size of pebble was quite the experience as well. Something must’ve gone wrong with the ship, I still have no clue how that could have happened.
Either way, I’m rambling and I do apologize.
Anyway, I was walking the grassy fields just outside my cottage. David was still inside, sound asleep. Fixing the planet wasn’t an easy task. Of course I would help whenever I could, but I wasn’t as strong as David. Some tasks we couldn’t do together.
That’s when I heard that familiar sound. A sound of whooshing engines, screeching through space and time. Looking to my left, I saw a row of pine trees. Then a blue police box. Then the trees again. Then the police box again.
Eventually, the box stopped phasing in and out. The white light above was still flashing. It seemed a lot faster than I remembered.
I felt a mix of feelings.
Happiness to see Grandfather again. Who else would be flying around in a blue box?
Concern that Grandfather would continue to talk down to me, like he usually would whenever I was around. Granted, he never did that around Mom.
Relief that he had kept his promise.
The front door of the police box squeaked open and there he was!
“Grandfather!” I called out, a large smile forming across my face.
He didn’t reply at first. He simply looked up, confused, like he wasn’t sure what he was looking at. Grandfather was always a little forgetful.
There was something a little off about him this time. He looked tired, worn out. My lips trembled slightly as I watched him stumble out of the Tardis. I swear he didn’t trip on anything.
I rushed over to keep him stable. It was then that he looked down at me with those big eyes. His mouth fell agape as he realized who I was.
“Susan. My child…” He reached up to caress my cheek. I felt the metal of his ring brush up against my skin. It seemed looser on him than before.
“What are you doing here, Grandfather?” I asked.
“Oh well uh…” He rubbed his chin and squinted his eyes. “I wouldn’t forget to come and see you, now would I? Gracious no!”
He then proceeded to chuckle with tight lips, exactly how it was in my memory. Before I could say anything more, two more figures emerged from the Tardis doors. At first, I thought it was Ian and Barbara, but it didn’t take long to realize they were completely different people.
“Where’s Ian and Barbara? Are they alright?” I remember asking, looking up to Grandfather.
“Oh yes, they’re alright. Chatterton…” Grandfather paused and pursed his lips. “...Chesterton and Ms. Wright are back home, safe and sound. As much as I wished they didn’t depart.”
I watched my Grandfather turn away from me. The memories of them leaving probably stuck with him longer than he’d like. He had grown to love them a great deal, even if he never said it aloud.
His actions usually spoke much louder, such as that time he apologized to Barbara for threatening her.
“Where are my manners? This is Ben” Grandfather gestured to the man first then to the woman. “And this is Polly. They snuck aboard my ship, very much like your schoolteachers. I was waiting for Dodo and then…” Grandfather drifted off again as his lips quivered.
How many people had left him since I was gone?
“Grandfather, are you alright?”
He didn’t reply right away, but I knew the truth. He looked as if he was barely holding it together.
“Nonsense, child. I’m fine, don’t you worry about me!” Grandfather said, his voice raised. He defaulted to that tone quite often.
“Are you going through...renewal?” I asked, frowning at the prospect.
Almost immediately, he stood at attention, his lips pursed and chin tucked down. He clutched at his lapels with wrinkled and old hands.
“Now, child, come, come. We know that isn’t for quite some time.”
“Perhaps it’s sooner than you think, Grandfather.”
He didn’t like that one bit, but he didn’t berate me. I remember expecting it and being surprised when it didn’t happen.
“Doctor, who is this young woman?” Ben asked, looking at me with a questioning expression.
Polly nudged his shoulder. “Don’t be daft, Ben. That’s his granddaughter.
“Granddaughter? She looks a little young, doesn’t she?”
“My civilization ages a bit different than yours does, young man.” Grandfather turned towards Ben, still clutching his lapels.
“I was just saying, is all.”
I grabbed Grandfather’s arm. It was strangely relaxed.
“Come on, let’s go to my home. We can have a cup of tea. I would love to hear of your travels, Grandfather!” I said, trying to pull him with me.
He stood as still as stone, looking to the ground.
“Where...Where are we?” Grandfather asked, looking around with half-closed eyes. He reached out, palm forward, reaching out for an invisible wall.
Grandfather may have been clever, but I wasn’t an idiot. He was nearing the end of his first life. It wasn’t out of character for men of his age to develop memory issues. I still fear that happening to me later down the line.
“It’s alright. I’m here, Grandfather. It’s Susan.” I said softly into his chest, trying to keep him up.
“Susan? Oh yes, I’m sorry. I’m afraid I’m quite tired, as you can tell. Sailing the seven seas will do that to you, hmm?”
I felt sorry for Grandfather as I watched him smile wide. I could tell he was terrified of what was coming; a far cry from who he was when I last saw him. He seemed more...human. It was hard to explain in the moment.
Looking into his old eyes, I could tell he was scared. I only hugged him. He didn’t shove me back. Instead, he embraced me, like he would never see me again.
Grandfather had changed for the better. I could tell. He always had that potential deep down. If it weren’t for Ian and Barbara, who knows the kind of person he would’ve become?
“Your grandfather’s a good man, Susan. He saved London for those terrible machines.” Ben said while approaching us. Polly was close behind him.
“Machines?” I asked.
“I still remember it. We were all running for safety, but your grandfather? He stood his ground. He didn’t run away. If it weren’t for him, well, I don’t really want to imagine it.”
I looked up to Grandfather. “You didn’t run.”
He looked towards the trees behind me, like he wasn’t interested. Oh, but I could tell he was trying so hard to be humble.
“I’m proud of you, Grandfather. Truly. I knew that you would like humans.”
Grandfather didn’t respond. Instead, he shook his head.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come to visit you sooner, my child. If it weren’t for the Daleks, I would’ve had more time.”
“How do you mean?” I asked.
“I can’t explain, but time is limited. I came because I wanted to fulfill my promise to you. I suppose the Tardis must’ve picked up that feeling from me. I wish I wouldn’t have to go so soon, but I must.”
I wanted so badly for Grandfather to follow me back to the cottage. Deep down, however, I knew better. This was something I couldn’t help him with and I knew he wouldn’t let me even if I could.
“Grandfather, I will never forget about you, even if you look different. I promise you. I love you and I always will.” I wrapped my arms around his cane hand.
He seemed to like that very much, patting my hands with a gentle force. “And nor will I, Susan. Nor will I.”
I wish I went with him, but I had a life to manage. A life he granted to me. My Grandfather had a mission now, a purpose in his life, very much like I did. It would be foolish of me to take that away from him. I looked to Ben and Polly as they watched silently.
“Take care of Grandfather, even if he doesn’t want your help. He likes that.”
Grandfather shushed me as he patted my shoulder. He was adorable when he tried to be humble.
“Oh don’t worry. I could tell.” Polly said, giving us both a smile.
Much like before, I hated to see Grandfather go, but he seemed content. He did fulfill his promise and now he had go.
“Go ahead, Grandfather. Someone else might need your help.”
“Very well, my child. Are you sure you don’t wish to come along?”
“I’m certain.” I couldn’t help myself as I hugged him again. “Just come back, yeah?”
“Of course I will.” Grandfather said, kissing the top of my head.
I watched as Ben and Polly guided him inside. All three of them waved to me and I waved back as Grandfather shut the door.
The Tardis phased in and out, followed by the sounds of engines. Within a second, it was gone just as soon as it had arrived. The only sounds that followed were those of the wildlife; birds and squirrels.
I never told David about the meeting. He probably wouldn’t remember him anyway.
I look forward to seeing him again, even if I’m taken aback by a different face.
Even so, he will always be my Grandfather.