The Doctor shuffled slowly round the console room, hands behind his back. For a long time he'd wanted to travel alone in the TARDIS, but now he actually had the chance, he discovered it actually wasn't much fun.

He had no one to talk to. No one to share adventures and experiences with. No one to explain the plot to. No one to make the tea for him. No one to tell him how brilliant he was. No one to care for, to look after and rush to the rescue for.

No one help him celebrate his birthday.

"Just you and me, old girl." He patted the TARDIS console softly. Its ambient hum altered almost imperceptibly as if in agreement.

Something clattered in the corridor beyond the interior door. The Doctor swung round. "What on earth was that?" He opened the door and wandered through. "Hello?" he called, almost hopefully.

The noise came again, further down the corridor. The Doctor began to follow it.

For a good ten minutes he followed the sound, but never seemed to get close to discovering what it was. After a while, it seemed to stop. "How peculiar," he murmured. With a shrug, he wandered back to the console room. No adventures for him, today, then. Maybe he'd program the TARDIS to take him somewhere nice. Or maybe he'd just settle down with a good book and a cup of tea. Maybe a piece of toast or two. That would be nice. That would be just what the Doctor-

He pushed open the console room door and stopped dead.

The console room was full of streamers and balloons. Little twinkling fairy lights and tinsel festooned the console itself. On a tea trolley by the side of the console was a large cake covered in candles, and an open bottle of champagne with a single cut-glass goblet. A bright tasselled party hat was riding up and down on the time rotor.

"What the Dickens...?" he said in amazement.

The console chimed musically and a message scrolled up the main display panel. The Doctor bent to read it.

"At least you still have me!'" The Doctor laughed at that and took a playful swipe at the console with his handkerchief, which he found he needed to dab at something mysteriously prickling at his eyes. "Indeed I do, old girl. Indeed I do!" He kissed the palm of his hand and rested it on the console. "How could I ever forget you, my oldest and dearest companion..."

He reached down and popped a spare party hat on his head. He poured himself a glass of champagne and raised it to the TARDIS in salute. "Cheers, old girl. Happy anniversary!"

TARDISes never, ever, forget.