Sherlock was with John and Lestrade when he noticed the little girl shaking and standing just behind the curtains. They had just arrested a middle school orchestra teacher whom had murdered three women and were now backstage while the children were getting ready for their spring performance.
Sherlock tried to stay attentive as Lestrade handcuffed the teacher, however, when a teaching assistant started scolding the girl, Sherlock immediately turned and walked towards them.
John was alarmed by Sherlock's abrupt motion and followed him towards the crying child. Great, now a poor child is going to be told how stupid they are, John thought. So he was utterly surprised when Sherlock turned to the teacher's aid and interrupted her in the middle of her telling the child that they only had five minutes to pull it together.
"Oh yes, telling her she has a time limit is just what someone wants to hear as they are attempting to subdue a panic attack," he glared at the lady and then turned to crouch in front of the girl.
"Now whats your name?" He asked gently, John was too stunned to speak, he never thought it was possible for Sherlock to be gentle.
"Chrissy," the girl stuttered in between labored breaths and tears.
"Ah, Chrissy my name is Sherlock. I used to have panic attacks often as a child, so I understand how scary they can be. Now what I need you to do is take a deep breath, count to three, and then blow out. Can you do that with me?" Sherlock asked.
John watched in fascination as his usually emotionless friend successfully calmed the small girl.
Chrissy nodded and followed Sherlock as he breathed in, counted on his fingers, then breathed out.
"Brilliant, Chrissy. One last thing and then you will be ready to go on stage, whenever you are about to panic, close your eyes and spell out your name. As you do so, think of all the reasons why your name suits you, and by the time you open your eyes, your panic attack will be completely gone. Now go ahead and do what I just said." Sherlock told her with an encouraging smile that John had never seen Sherlock do before.
Chrissy closed her eyes and, sure enough, by the time she opened them she had a big smile and had stopped crying.
"Thank you Mr. Sherlock!" She said and flung herself into his arms.
Sherlock was startled by the action, but gently patted her back after a second.
"No problem, Chrissy. Just remember those exercises. Now, go knock em dead," Sherlock said with a wink as Chrissy turned to join her fellow classmates on stage.
Sherlock turned to find a rather amused and surprised John.
"What?" Sherlock asked, his face back to its usual stoic expression.
"Oh, nothing. Just didn't know you worked well with kids is all." John replied trying to suppress a grin.
"Hm." Sherlock muttered as he tried to figure out what that meant.