Author's Note: There is , in fact, a backstory to this. I was passing notes (being slightly immature) with my friend "Sherlock" (I happen to have aquired the name "Watson"). Every time we signed off as either -SH or -JW, in my case. It was a role play sheet of sorts, and I (Watson) suddenly mentioned being deployed in Afghanistan. It honestly killed Sherlock. I then wrote her the two letters mentioned in the story (they have been copied word for word from the originals I wrote to Sherlock), and sealed them in an envelope that said, "Sherlock Holmes 221B Baker Street, London, England". I handed them to Sherlock the next day, who (I kid you not) threw themself on the floor, and curled up into a ball, the letters clutched in hand. I found out some of my other friends had heard about and read the letters, for two were on the verge of tears, and three others beat me with books. Yes, some of you may need tissus, while others may need an open window through which to throw your device when you're done reading.


Sherlock, 21 November, 2013

I'm sorry about my recent deployment to Afghanistan. I would've told you sooner, but I feared your reaction. I will miss the sounds of the violin floating upstairs at two in the morning, and the sound of bullets piercing the poor smiley face on the wall. Most of all, I will miss you and the exciting life I had shared with you at Baker Street. I know you've mentioned "alone" being your protection, so alone you shall be.

John

P.S. Have I ever told you how brilliant you are? I probably have, and I believe you can solve cases without me, my sociopath. Oh- by the way, the cigarettes are in the seat cushion of your favourite chair, and Molly has your skull at Bart's, just in case you haven't found them, but you probably have, you smart man.

They had sent the letter to Sherlock after they found it in the man's right breast pocket, perfectly clean. They had attached another letter as well.

Dear Mr. Holmes, 3 December, 2013

We are sorry to inform you that Captain John Hamish Watson of the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers is deceased. We will send you his remaining belongings and money he left for you in his will. We are sorry for your loss.

Harold Saxon, Prime Minister

Information about John Hamish Watson's death:

Date: 2 December, 2013

Time: 17:41

Location of Death: Afghanistan Base No. 221

Burial: Undecided

Sherlock clutched the letter tightly, crumpling the paper, and held it close to his chest. The closest thing he had to a friend was now dead. Sherlock's jaw locked as he tried to keep his composure, but he knew his emotions were getting the best of him. His vision became burry, and he reached out to pick up a battered leather covered journal. Sherlock opened the journal to the front inside cover to find a group of almost illegible scrawled words inside.

I'm sorry, Sherlock.

Sherlock bit his lip, his heart even heavier than before as he continued to look through the journal. It was disappointingly empty. John hadn't left any memories for Sherlock to remember him by. Sherlock passed the last page, and on the back inside cover, was another group of almost illegibly scrawled words.

I'm sorry, Sherlock. Was the same as the inside front cover, but this time, another phrase followed.

My story must end.