From SheWhoScrawls: Get Out

…

"Holmes! Holmes!" I bellowed into the dark, howling night, trampling the snow beneath me as I ran around like a headless chicken, trying to find some trace of my poor friend in these woods and hopefully guide us both back to safety and shelter.

Despite my lungs now struggling for breath and my war wounds now screaming in pure, unfiltered agony, neither pain could compare with the fear in my heart- the fear that my best friend could die out here, alone.

"HOLMES!"

What if, in a moment of selfish outburst, I had condemned my dearest friend to such an agonizing fate? To die alone without a friend at his side.

I had made the mistake of leaving Holmes behind to 'die' alone on Reichenbach Falls- I had no intention of allowing Fate to repeat itself.

Tears burned at my eyes and froze on my stinging cheeks as I scanned the forest, praying desperately that I would be able to find my flatmate- before it was too late.

…

I had not gone very far when I instantly realized two things: one, was that I was lost, and two, I was in imminent danger of collapsing in the snow and losing consciousness out in the middle of nowhere, and that I should get out now and find help.

And yet, foolishly, I continued on, still hoping against hope that I would soon see Holmes's silhouette, and I could thus guide him to safety and apologize to him for leaving him alone on such a cruel night!

And so, I continued, deeper and deeper into those dark and lonely woods, with only my lantern and thoughts of despair and doom as my companions.

…..

Unfortunately, however, my meagre luck ran out. I tripped over a tree root, which had been obscured by the dark and the snow and I stumbled. To make matters worse, my wounded leg, clearly in mutiny at being subjected to being exposed to the cold weather for so long, gave out on me and I instantly fell- hitting my head on something dark. I could feel my head start swimming before, overcome with cold and pain, I eventually blacked out.

…

"Watson, Watson, please! Wake up man!"

Groggily, I opened my eyes to see Thomas the tree seller- and to my eternal joy and relief, Sherlock Holmes- both hovering at my bedside.

"Praise be," Muttered Thomas. "I'll just alert me missus ye're mate's alive."

"Please, do," Holmes replies dismissively.

"PEARL! He's awake!" Bellowed Thomas, marching out of the room, leaving Holmes and I alone.

"Holmes… what happened out there?" I asked curiously, once he was out of earshot.

"I found you, Watson." Holmes answered, quietly. "I was able to find a logical way to get out of the woods and back to Thomas's. Only, the confounded blizzard took me by surprise and discombobulated me, so I ended up going the wrong way. It was just as well for that, however…" he trailed off, forcing his hands deep in his coat pockets, his shoulders stiffer than I had ever seen them.

"Holmes?"

"I found you, Watson. Lying unconscious in the snow." Holmes continued. I was surprised and horrified to see my friend's eyes glistening with emotion. Blinking sharply, he continued, carefully, "I was most relieved when I found you still had a pulse, my dear Watson- but it was very weak. I… I took you with me all the way back to Thomas's."

Touched by Holmes's loyalty and devotion to me, I felt all the worse for how I had snapped at my friend earlier. I had to wait before I could speak without bubbling over with emotion, but I eventually plucked up the courage to speak.

"Holmes, I would like to say that I really am sorry for having snapped at you earlier… and I'm sorry for leaving you alone in the storm. What kind of friend am I?" I asked him miserably, glancing down at my blanket covered legs in shame.

"You, Watson, are the bravest friend I've ever had." Holmes replied.

Startled, I glance up to see his steely-grey eyes soft with warmth and affection. "You not only risked your life to save mine the moment you found out I was in danger, but you are also brave enough to know when you are wrong and can admit it free of pride and shame." He put a hand on my good shoulder and squeezed ever so gently before continuing, "For too long I have wondered what I have done to deserve your loyalty and friendship.

"But," he continued, his hand gesturing to silence from me, "you are not entirely to blame for this sorry affair, Watson. Due to my lack of interest and keenness to get the tree-choosing over and done with, I was oblivious to your pain and discomfort all the time we were on Thomas's lands. And for that, Watson, I can only say I'm truly, truly sorry for being such an utter pig to you."

"I forgive you, Holmes,"

"I forgive you too, dearest Watson," Replied Holmes, softly brushing my hair with his hand. "I am so very glad we are both alive and well."

"As am I, Holmes." I answered, taking his free hand in my own before giving it a gentle squeeze.