Alone On the Water by Mad_Lori (Gen)

[the-hobbet.livejournal.com]

Fandom: SHERLOCK BBC
Pairing: John Watson/Sherlock Holmes
Length: 7725 words
Author on LJ: madlorific
Author Website: Mad_Lori at AO3 and FF.net
Why this must be read:

"Alone on the Water" is one of the best-known stories in Sherlock fandom. I am amazed it hasn't been rec'd here before. It's heartbreaking and beautiful and bittersweet, told with delicacy and restraint by a master with words.

Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Sherlock deals with fate on his own terms, as always. With John at his side, as always.

I sometimes get choked up over stories, but I never cry. This one made me cry.

PS. a group of students in Derby, UK are working on an audioplay of Alone on the Water. It isn't available as of this posting but information can be had here. I'm looking forward to listening.

I sit and I hear the words. I am numb.

Inoperable. Deep. Intracranial pressure. Terribly sorry. Options. Arrangements.

Sherlock sits next to me, legs crossed. He is calm. "How long do I have?" is all he asks.

The neurosurgeon is a classmate of mine from Bart's. He's a good man. He is looking at me with sympathy, presuming what they all do. I don’t mind so much. "A month. At the outside."

I have more questions but Sherlock is on his feet. "Thank you, Doctor. Come, John." And he is out of the room. I start to follow.

"John – I’m so sorry," says my old friend. "We can make him comfortable."

I laugh. I'm surprised to hear it come out of my mouth. "He's never been comfortable in his life. No need to start now."

Alone On the Water