As I was watching The Reichenbach Fall for the hundredth time, I caught myself wondering how it would work as a book. As I couldn't escape from this thought, I decided to sit down and write out the whole thing in book format from John's perspective. Everything is taken 100% from the series, I didn't add anything... Okay, that's not true, so let me rephrase it: I didn't write any additional dialogues, only a few new scenes that had to be worked into the storyline to make it more real and detailed. However, I tried to keep these at a minimum.
I really hope you enjoy it! I will add the chapters as I write them.
Many thanks for everyone who supported this crazy task and a special thanks for Ariane DeVere and her amazing transcripts!
Reviews are highly appreciated ;)
xx
"Why today?"
The rain was tapping silently on the window, only an occasional thunder disrupted its even beat. The room was dark and cold, but it was the unexpected question that made John shudder. He raised his head. Deep pain and regret reflected in his eyes.
"Do you want to hear me say it?"
"Eighteen months since our last appointment," said the woman sitting opposite him, clearly avoiding the question.
John felt a dull throb of anger in his stomach.
"Do you read the papers?"
"Sometimes."
"And you watch telly?"
She didn't respond.
"You know why I'm here." John's voice was thick with emotions. "I'm here because…"
He unconsciously raised his hand to his mouth as his voice cracked. Anguish shadowed his hard features and his eyes fell back to the floor in silence.
His therapist, Ella leaned forward in her armchair and folded her hands.
"What happened, John?"
John felt like his whole inside was trembling violently. He was drained and exhausted, his heart raced in his chest. He wanted to stop existing in this world and disappear into the shadows, but for some reason he was still there. Against his will, the words slowly started to take form in his mind, but even as a thought it was too painful to bear. Long seconds had passed before he finally managed to open his mouth.
"Sher…"
He couldn't say it. He simply couldn't. If he said it, it would become real. There would be no going back. Tears were forcing their way up in his throat and he had to purse his lips to stop them from quivering. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths as he tried to pull himself together.
"You need to get it out," he heard Ella's soothing voice.
John opened his eyes and nodded. He knew she was right. No matter how much it hurt, he had to accept the reality.
He swallowed hard and tried to blink away the gathering tears in his eyes. When he spoke, his voice was barely more than a whisper.
"My best friend… Sherlock Holmes…"
He broke off and for a second he truly doubted his ability to finish the sentence, but with a terrible effort he forced the dreadful words onto his lips.
"…is dead."
The agony of the truth swept over him with renewed force. Sherlock was dead.
John's face twisted in pain and he started to cry.