There were always variations. Sometimes the Skaro Degradations managed to hold him back at the last moment, or the Daleks destroyed the TARDIS, stranding him in the Ether.
Then there were times where Rose was there. By far, those were the worst.
Rassilon threatened her this time, saying if the Doctor wouldn't stand down he'd kill the girl. Rather camp, if you asked him, but in the dream world the sheer terror stilled his joke and he couldn't speak. Couldn't move.
Couldn't save her.
The screams came louder, and he was covered in sweat. The comforter was tossed to the other side of the room, and all the Doctor could do was watch as the woman he loved died.