A/N: The paradox of choice. So many options came to mind when I read this prompt. I really couldn't choose. I had no intention of writing our character as a child though...
Prompt from Wordwielder: A lost shopper
The small boy in a threadbare jacket with patches on the elbows, clung to his cap, his mouth agape, as he wandered the snowy city streets. A sweets shop on his left made his mouth water. The toymakers store displayed a marvellous model engine chugging round and round on its track in the front window. Wooden animals from the circus sprouted from the carriage cars. He left a nose smudge and two grimy handprints on the glass when he moved onward. Next, his eyes opened wide at the shimmering holiday outfits displayed at the tailors.
"John H Watson!" a flustered woman with a ponytailed girl in tow called out. "I've been looking all over for you. Hold onto your sister's hand and don't let go. I don't need you getting lost again."
"Yes, Mother," John meekly took his sister's hand. "I didn't mean to leave you." He hung his head.
That night, safely ensconced under the warm covers with snow forming a thick white blanket outside, John dreamed of adventures. The carved jungle animals came to life in his dream. Tigers chased slender gazelles and an elephant roared. He road a train across the savannah with the wind tugging at his hair toward a shining city made of sweets. Men dressed in gleaming black boots and women wore dazzling gowns. The melody of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' echoed in the background. The curly blond head turned over in his sleep and a smile formed on his lips. He would never be lost again. He would only be charting new territory.