Prompt from I'm Nova: Snowed In
"Really, Holmes," Watson said, watching his friend pace restlessly across the floor. "It could be worse."
Holmes whirled, turning on his companion. "Worse? We are snowed in to this cabin, unable to escape and stop our thief, who even now could be returning to London with his gains! Pray tell, Watson, how could this be worse?"
"To start with, we could have been left without any supplies." He swept a hand towards the cupboards, indicating the generous store of canned goods and brightly blazing fire. "And if we are snowed in, our thief likely is as well. Didn't you say that he must have a cabin in these woods for him to store all that he steals?"
"Turning my words against me, Watson," Holmes muttered, but he came to sit on the other chair, staring bitterly into the flickering flames.
Watson handed him his pipe, and they smoked for a few moments in peaceful quiet.
"I suppose it really could have been worse," Holmes finally spoke, mood mellowed by a good pipe and quiet company.
Watson nodded. "In the morning the snow should have stopped, and we can start digging ourselves out."
He turned to empty his pipe, and Holmes caught his wrist. With quiet sincerity, he said, "There is far worse company to have for a night such as this."