Prompt for the 26th of December From I'm Nova - Old friends writing
Watson:
I reread the letter before me with a lump forming in my throat. However much the fellow might attempt to conceal his heart, his words make it clear that he misses me. How I long to visit him, but my practice is busy at this time of year.
I take up my pen and begin to write to tell him as much. How can I explain, when I know that he would have dropped everything for me had he received such a plea?
Dear Holmes
It is with regret that I must decline your kind offer to spend Christmas with you at your cottage.
I toss the letter upon the fire. It is much to formal - Holmes is my old friend, not a patient! I read his letter again, my eyes becoming misty.
My mind has now been made up. I shall retire, sell my practice and move in with Holmes in the New Year. It can be a little surprise for the old fellow. I smile and again take up my pen.
Dear Holmes
It is not possible for me to visit you for Christmas as my neighbour has a young family that will want him at home. It would be selfish of me to ask him to take charge of both my practice and his.
However, I shall be able to visit you in the New Year. I hope that that will lessen the disappointment for you somewhat.
I shall send word the moment that I am able to make plans.
I add the customary things - that I hope that he is well and not too bored now that winter has come and his bees are hibernating, etcetera. I then sign it before reading my letter through once more. I feel it is not fair to my dearest friend, but it truly is the best that I can do.
Holmes:
It is with a heavy heart that I read the letter from my dear Watson. His writing speaks of a weariness that a younger man would not have to endure and I dearly wish that he had accepted my invitation. Selfish indeed! Watson was never selfish. I am truly glad that he has promised to visit me in the New Year, though I suspect that he has only said that to placate me. Well, I shall hold him to that.
My dear Watson
I stare down at the paper before me. There is so very much that I wish to say, but I know not quite how to transfer such things to ink and paper. I run a hand across my eyes and think carefully. What do I wish to tell him?
I miss him - he should know as much by now. I also hope that he is well, for his writing does tell far more than his words express. What can I say?
My dear Watson
I understand perfectly - you always have placed your duties before yourself.
I shall look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Oh! Hang it all! I cannot possibly wait until January to hear his voice. Besides, I know that I shan't cease to fret until I know how he is.
I slam down my pen and instead take up the telephone. I need to hear his voice - the letter can wait until after we have spoken.