Illuminated

By Laura Schiller

Based on: Doctor Who

Copyright: BBC

When Ada Gillyflower opens her eyes for the first time after the last stage of her treatment, they are blue. It is startling, after seeing her for weeks with eyes as white and opaque as a glass of milk, but not as startling as the look of breathless wonder on her face.

Strax, standing beside her, pockets his genetic resequencer in silence. He is lost for words.

"The colors," she murmurs, squeezing her new eyes shut, then opening them again. "They are changing … growing clearer … Oh!"

She catches sight of a scarlet hibiscus in a pot, the nearest of the many varieties of Earthen plant life Madame Vastra shelters in her greenhouse. She reaches out to caress one of the blossoms, then snatches her hand back, holding it with her other hand against her chest. She blinks once, twice, three times.

"Shedding tears at this point would be inadvisable," says Strax gruffly, his duty recalling him to speech. "Your optic systems are still in a delicate state."

Ada turns to look at him – and gasps. "Goodness gracious! Is that you, Mr. Strax?"

"Indeed, Miss. Do not be alarmed. We Sontaran warriors have been known to strike fear into the hearts of lesser races, but while you are in this house, you shall not be harmed."

Ada's mouth twitches with something that, if he did not know better, might be amusement. "I know. Believe me, sir, I am most grateful."

Her new blue eyes, the eyes he has healed, focus on him. They narrow at the corners as she smiles.

"You are welcome."

He would not admit it on pain of a thousand deaths, but there are times when Strax is very proud to be a nurse.