Author's note : This is my very first 221B, a challenge set upon me by Ennui Enigma, who was also kind enough to beta. Thank you EE ! (Go read her stuff, it's brilliant.)
Disclaimer : Obviously, none of the characters belong to me.
I was absolutely soaked. The wind had been howling for three days with heavy rain relentlessly pelting at the windows. It made going outside a chore, something to be done only out of sheer necessity. "Perfect Halloween weather," I thought. "Well, maybe not for trick-or-treaters..."
Climbing the stairs to my flat, arms laden with the weekly shopping, I was trying to guess what mayhem Toby could have brought upon the place. The poor thing had been cooped up for the last few days and was slowly going mad with pent-up energy. My mind kept wandering to thoughts of a cherry-scented bubble bath; fine Belgian chocolate, and maybe that new novel by J. K. Rowling I'd just gotten the other day. I'd have to take care of Toby first, though, clearing away any mess that may have occurred in his never-ending quest for entertainment. Then I'd need to put away the shopping and clean the bathtub. Sighing, I pushed open the door, mentally steeling myself for the work ahead.
Nothing could have prepared me, however, for the dark figure springing up from the shadows, booming: "Happy Halloween!"
Fighting to bring my racing heart under control, I was rather proud to be able to say in my best sarcastic voice, "Congratulations Sherlock. I'm officially gobsmacked," before disappearing into the bathroom.