Prompt from Word Wielder: Peppermint
I am not in a writing mood… I'm hungry and I want a coloring book.
As was the custom with this time of year, my practice was overrun with patients complaining from the common cold. My notepad was constantly full of lists for the chemist and apothecary as I scribbled down notes for medicines tinctures and syrups. It was only a matter of time before I myself was taken ill and it was with a pounding headache that I found myself unable to face the day one cold December morning.
I was lying in bed at half past eight when Holmes came knocking at the door. "Watson? Are you ill? The hour is rather late."
"I'm fine."' I coughed as he opened the door. "Just a bit of a cold, that's all."
"Hm," Holmes frowned as I rose to dress. My head was aching and my cough was terrible. After a moment's contemplation, he grabbed my arm and steered me back towards bed. "Take a rest, old chap. There's nothing that needs to be done today that can't wait until tomorrow."
"No," I protested. "I'm fine."
"Rubbish." Holmes waited to verify that I was indeed staying put before moving towards the door. "I'll ask Mrs. Hudson to prepare a tray for you. Her peppermint tea is excellent and should help do the trick."
"Thank you, Holmes." I let my eyes close as my head sunk into the pillow. "I'll be up in a few hours."
The door closing was the last thing I heard.
