You continue running

You run and run, until your lungs are burning, your clothes are covered in sweat. You drop to the ground, gulping in air, and look back to see that Clara’s no longer to be seen, or the blue telephone box.

And then you hear the groaning and wheezing sound as the blue box starts blinking into existence. Last time you felt hopeful when it blinked into vision, but this time your hope comes when it blinks out, though inevitably despair wins out as it once again fully materialises.

The door’s flung open, and this time you don’t have any strength to run, so you just wait there for Clara to come out and punish you with her cane.

You wait a while, but no one emerges. As it starts to get dark, you cautiously approach it, and enter through the door.

Much to your surprise, it’s a lot lot smaller on the inside.

You feel a hand on your shoulder. “I’ve redecorated,” the voice has a Scottish accent. “You don’t like it?”

You turn to see a woman dressed in black, like a Victorian nanny. “Where’s Clara?” you ask, worried that she may return.

“Don’t worry about her. Have a cup of tea and a slice of cake.”

You take the food and drink that she’s offering, hungry and thirsty after your hours outside in the heat.

“Anyway, as I was saying, I’ve been redecorating,” the woman tells you. “Just moved in. Took simply ages, what with the infinite rooms, but now they’re all dungeons.”

“Dungeons?” you ask, beginning to feel weak after the day’s exertions.

“Through that door.” She points at a door with the word ‘Playtime’ on it. “Clara’s in there now, playing with the old owner. Don’t worry, I’ve told her to play nice, don’t want him regenerating. I’m a very caring person, you see. Wouldn’t want you thinking I didn’t have a heart. I’ve got two, want to listen?” She pulls your head to her chest and you find yourself unable to resist.

“Anyway, enough small talk, the muscle relaxant will have kicked in by now.” She throws you to the ground, and you just lie there, unable to move, as she puts her shoe on your chest. “I’m Missy, but you can call me The Mistress.”