Post-Reichenbach angst, of course. Still in shock.

John's texts to Sherlock's phone after the incident on the roof.


Sept. 21, 7:20 am
I had a dream you were here.

Message failed: number not in use

Oct. 5, 9:10 pm
I've moved out of Baker Street. It's just too much.

Message failed: number not in use

Oct. 8, 5:01 am
I've started dating Molly. It's nice. She understands.

Message failed: number not in use

Oct. 20, 6:12 pm
Where is my miracle, Sherlock?

Message failed: number not in use

Oct. 20, 6:20 pm
Damn you. Damn you straight to hell.

Message failed: number not in use

Nov. 2, 11:30 am
Mycroft stopped by this morning. I don't know how he found my new address. He said he was sorry. I said nothing. He left. He didn't say anything about taking your violin back.

Message failed: number not in use

Nov. 6, 4:12 am
Sometimes I wake up and hear your violin. But when I go to check it's silent and it feels wrong so I try to play, but that feels worse. You make it look so easy.

Message failed: number not in use

Nov. 6, 4:13 am
Made*

Message failed: number not in use

Nov. 21, 11:59 pm
Molly says I shouldn't keep texting this number and move on but. I'm still waiting for that miracle, Sherlock.

Message failed: number not in use.

Dec. 25, 12:00 am
Happy Christmas, Sherlock.

Message failed: number not in use

Jan. 5, 3:00 pm
I proposed to Molly, I think. We're getting married in June. You should have been my best man.

Message failed: number not in use

Feb. 20, 2:39 am
I can't sleep tonight. Molly snores.

Message failed: number not in use

May 16, 1:12 pm
I miss you.

Message delivered.


SHERLOCK: May 16, 1:15 pm
who is this ?

JOHN: May 16, 1:17 pm
It's John. Who is this? Sherlock?

SHERLOCK: May 16, 1:20 pm
who is that. i just got this phone.

JOHN: May 16, 3:00 pm
Sorry. Won't bother you again.


John stares at the text of his phone, taking a ragged breath. His thumb hovers over the 'delete contact' button for several moments before he is able to press it. The phone flashes him a cheery "Contact Deleted!" message and then goes blank.

John set down his phone and, putting his head in his hand, lets himself cry one last time.