[ did it hurt. the doctor, this doctor, this version, prefers not to think too much about the past. not learning from his mistakes is surely one of his greatest flaws. so he doesn't put too much introspection into it, doesn't linger in the memory of the glass box, wilf's knocking on the door, the tardis falling to pieces around him as his body— ]

Nah.

[ he smiles across at her, a little wet around the eyes again but otherwise that typical, devil-may-care, fond little smile. and he lies. ]

It was fine. I even had time to go visit a few old friends. Saw you, actually. New Years Day. 2005. You and your mum wished me a Happy New Year.