John walked all the way back to Baker Street. He didn't want to talk to anyone, not even a cabbie. His head was swimming, full of jumbled thoughts. He was barely aware of his surroundings, and nearly got hit by a car on the way to the flat.
He fumbled with the doorknob when he finally got home, and pushed his way inside. He climbed the staircase, it feeling like Mount Everest with all the effort it seemed to be taking. He entered the living room and did something unexpected, he slumped on the couch, turned to face the wall and curled up in a ball like Sherlock did sometimes. He stared into the fabric of the sofa, and finally the tears streamed down his face.
"Is that you John?" Mrs Hudson called from above.
John ignored it, and hoped that she wouldn't bother him. He didn't want to have to tell her; not now. He squeezed his eyes shut and the trapped tears escaped, doing the same as the others. He heard footsteps approaching. He panicked; Mrs Hudson was coming.
"John?" she said as she entered the living room.
Her eyes fell on the curled up man on the sofa.
"John, what on Earth's the matter?"
John lied still. He didn't know if he would be able to speak.
"John?" Mrs Hudson sat on the edge of the sofa.
She placed a hand on his shoulder gently. "Please tell me, dear, you're worrying me."
"I don't know if I can." John's voice cracked, and more hot tears spilled from his eyes, unseen by the landlady.
"John." Mrs Hudson's tone became sterner, and she tugged at John's shoulder.
He turned his head to her, and she saw his wet face and his red eyes.
"John, what is it?" she sounded very concerned, on the verge of tears herself, and she didn't even know yet.
"It's…"
"Yes?"
"Sherlock." John choked.
"What about him? Where is he? Is he hurt?"
"Sherlock's… dead."
Mrs Hudson gasped, and brought her hand to her mouth; her eyes widened.
"No, John, you're being silly. Stop it, don't say that." Mrs Hudson blurted.
"I'm not being silly, I'm telling the truth." John spoke quietly, like a sad child.
Mrs Hudson sniffed, and then she cracked, sobbing, and she pulled John closer and sobbed into his shoulder.
"What… what happened?" she said in a shaky voice.
"He jumped off of St Bart's. I don't know why." John muttered over Mrs Hudson's cries.
At this, the landlady pulled John even closer, and she shook more violently.