LETTING GO

The Daleks had changed their lives completely after the invasion of Earth. They had both met by chance at the height of the oppression, and over a relatively short period of time had fallen in love. After the Dalek menace had eventually been defeated, the first priority had been to help in the rebuilding of London. Everyone had pitched in, and though it would be a good few years before the work was complete, a lot had been already been achieved.

Life had been hard, and like everyone else they had been forced to make do. But they had mucked in with energy and vigour. And there had even been time to arrange a marriage. Despite the circumstances their life had a comforting normality about it. Nothing could dull their happiness.

Until the illness.

No one could understand it. She was so young and full of life. So her sudden collapse had stunned everyone. At first it was thought to be a twenty-four hour bug, and that she would recover within a few days. But when her condition became worse her friends began to rally round, fussing over her.

She had been grateful for their concerns, but she had known that there was nothing that could be done. And no doctor could have diagnosed her illness. So she had confined herself to her home, her husband tending to her every need. "You know I would do anything to see you well again," he had said. And she knew that he had meant it. Which made her feel all the more wretched for not confiding in him.

He remained practical, as always. Ensuring that she was comfortable, talking to her when she felt able. Anything to take her mind off the pain that she must have been feeling. And yet through all their many recent conversations, he felt that she was holding something back from him. They had been through a lot, and shared many experiences together. But she had never talked much about her past. It had never really mattered before, but now, more than ever, he felt he needed to know. But she would not be drawn, so he chose not press her on the matter.

As the illness spread through her body she felt herself age dramatically. Not in a physical sense, for outwardly she still looked as young as when she had first met her husband. But internally, she could feel parts of her body shutting down. Gradually at first, then with alarming swiftness.

She was sat hunched over in her favourite armchair, her husband crouched down before her. And she saw his look of helplessness and frustration. She could barely raise her hand to touch his, but the love was still there between them.

And now, it was time to let go.

Her eyes glazed over, and her husband caught her as her body slumped forward. Numb with shock, he held her tightly in his arms as the tears began to fall. She was gone.

Overcome with grief, he barely noticed the slight twitch in her limbs. But then he felt her take in a huge breath of air, and fell back, stunned.

She sat up in her chair, her body now free of pain. Her hair, once short and dark, was now longer and auburn. And her face was less rounded, her lips thinner than before. He stared at her, unable to speak. To all intents and purposes, his wife had literally changed before his eyes.

It had been strange, she thought, committing yourself to one person on one planet in one time period. Though the final decision had been made for her, she knew it had been the right one.

Change had been forced upon her. Total bodily shutdown coupled with her first regeneration had been the only way to destroy the alien bodies in her system. But it was clear from the look on her face that, although she was now in a new body, Susan Campbell still loved her husband very much.

She took his hands in hers, seeking to reassure him. "David," she said. "There's something we need to talk about…"