The Glass Princess (short story)

Summary

The Doctor visits a girl Clio who fell into a deep sleep after being poisoned by her uncle, the Doctor keeps her alive by using a stasis bed which allows her to wake up periodically to see her family. The Doctor later visits her in each of his later incarnations, each time without a companion. Each Doctor brings a gift for Clio. The Third Doctor bringing presents from his preceding incarnations in order to catch up. From the First Doctor Clio receives a broach, from the Second a recorder, from the Third an empty box containing hope, from the Fourth a bag of jelly babies, from the Fifth the piece of celery from his lapel, from the Sixth a cloth cat, and from the Seventh a Blue Peter badge. The Eighth Doctor finally releases her permanently from sleep after her family has all died, keeping her happy as she enjoys the fresh air one last time before she ages to death before him.