He straightened and leaned back in the chair. "I can't."

It was a bench before! I know it! They didn't have backs, did they?

...no one hiding improbably behind the door.

I love your Rose voice. She is awesome. Also, I love her awareness of the Doctor and his moods -- how very well she knows him, and how close they genuinely are despite certain things not being resolved quite yet.

"My Doctor," she said simply.

Another gorgeous point for a chapter break. You use them to great effect.