Molly raced out to a utility closet and shut the door behind her. Hot tears ran down her face and she couldn't stop shuddering. Sherlock had seen. And if he saw, then he would deduce. And he would know. Sherlock would know everything. It scared her so much, and she knew it shouldn't, but it did. What would happen when she got home? When her father found out someone knew this? What if he threatened to kill himself again? What if he hurt her more? Molly crumpled to the floor and did her best to hold the sobs in.

Sherlock had asked leave to go look for Molly, and the teacher complied. He could tell that she was also rather worried, and even more so when Sherlock and John both assured her that Sherlock hadn't said anything off color. The two spilt up to look for the missing girl. Sherlock looked around and could smell a bit of Molly in the air. She didn't really smell of anything, but he could tell it was her, just by the smell of the air alone. Molly Hooper smelled a little bit of honey and lavender and clean linen. He wouldn't ever admit it, but it was by far his favorite smell.

He stopped short next to a door labeled "Utility". There was a muffled sound coming from inside it- the sound of someone crying, the sound of Molly crying. Sherlock pressed his ear to the door and sighed softly. "Molly?"

Molly sniffled when she heard Sherlock's voice. She tugged her sweater around her shoulders tight and shook her head. "G-go… go away, Sh-Sherlo-lock. P-please…"

Sherlock carefully picked the lock and opened the door. He sat down in front of her. "Why did you run away?"

Molly just shook her head. She pulled her legs up tight and pressed her face into her knees. Why did he have to be here? Why was he doing this?

Sherlock scoot a bit closer and gently put a hand on the top of her head, petting her hair gently. He wasn't great at comforting people, most definitely not Molly, but he figured this was how it was done.

"Molly, is someone hurting you? Who is it?"

Molly holds herself tighter, and John appears in the doorway to see the pair. He squats down as well and wraps an arm around Molly. She presses her face into his neck and he rubs her back gently. "Molly, whatever's happening, you need to tell us. We will help. If someone is hurting you, please tell. Please. We just want to keep you safe, alright?" Molly just nodded and pulled away.

"It's nothing. Really… Forget it… " Molly stood and brushed past John.

The two boys frowned and followed her back to class.