We won’t be gone a year, Mum. And you can call.” She smiled at him over her shoulder, then turned the charming grin on her mother. “Besides, he’s gotten better at driving.”

The Doctor’s mouth dropped open at Rose’s betrayal. “Oi!”

Jackie rolled her eyes. “Ohhh, ‘course he has, that’s why the two of you came for Christmas dinner in January.”

Rose pressed her lips together to hold back a laugh. The Doctor folded his arms across his chest and scowled.

“Well, out of everywhere in time and space, a couple weeks off is pretty good, really.”