Many thanks go to Johnsarmylady for betaing and general inspiration. This story does not exactly comply with the rules of a 221B. There are good reasons though. Enjoy! :)
John walked down the stairs following Mrs. Hudson into the basement flat. The only time he'd been down there didn't make for a happy memory.
Mrs. Hudson showed him from room to room, explaining her newest project with a lively twinkle in her eyes. John wasn't convinced but felt he owed the old lady.
"Look, John, it could be just as cosy as upstairs if it wasn't for the dampness. But I'm sure you could do something about that", she announced, indicating the living room with a flourish of her hand.
"I'm sure you could", he offered, glancing through the doorway into the kitchen. There was something small dangling in front of the window. It had a curious shape that he couldn't quite make out from where he stood.
His thoughts returned to Mrs. Hudson who beamed at him. "No", he said emphatically. "It's very nice of you, Mrs. Hudson, but we don't want to move."
"But you would live closer to the city centre again — and to Sherlock!", she said mischievously.
John sighed inwardly. "I'm sorry. We like our place." Turning to go, his look swept over the greenish object in the kitchen window once again.
"What is that?", he wondered.
Mrs. Hudson smiled defeatedly. "Why, it's a Christmas ornament".
"But what is it?"
"Use your imagination, John! It's a cucumber."
