Sunshine Challenge - Day One - Hades

[smallhobbit]

There were a number of possibilities with this, but in the end I decided to write a double drabble, voicing the thoughts of Dr Watson (ACD Sherlock Holmes).

Is death an enemy to be fought?  Yes, as I battled to save the life of my dearest Mary, but to no avail.  Yes, to be railed against when I thought Holmes had gone over the Reichenbach Falls, and I believed him lost forever.  Yes, for the countless who I sought to aid in war, and although I could save but a few, their lives made my work worthwhile.  Yes, for those I treated in London whose death would otherwise be due to poverty, who I could afford to treat without payment.  Yes, when another’s actions have caused an injury thus threatening to cut short a life not yet lived.  I have fought and would continue to fight for all of these. 

But against my own death, at the end of a long life, I will not fight.  It is true I will be leaving Holmes, but I know he has but a few months of his own left, so we will not be apart for long.  I know, without being told, as I lie here, dependent on assistance for all I wish to do, that the hours left to me are few.  Against this death I will not fight.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Sadness! :(

[smallhobbit]

Yes - bittersweet.

[enemytosleep]

Ooo this is so piercingly poignant, and in so few words. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much.

[debriswoman]

Poignant and very Watson.
The icon used made me smile, though...

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I've used the icon a number of times ;)

[icecheetah]

You made me look at the icon and I choked a laugh.

[pauraque]

Very nice. I like how you used the theme to give an overview of the things he's experienced throughout his life, ending on the relationship that turned out to be so important to him.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you :)

[corvidology]

Definitely bittersweet in that it's quite lovely beneath the sadness.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much.

[bleodswean]

Nicely done. I can hear Watson and his pragmatic optimism here.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much.

[castiron]

Oooh. Well done.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much.

[margaret_r]

You've expressed Watson's thoughts so eloquently in a sad but lovely piecei of writing.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I'm delighted you like it.

[dr_zook]

I liked this very much! *sniffles*

[smallhobbit]

Thank you!

[rusty_armour]

Great piece of writing! I can imagine Watson having such thoughts near the end of his life. It seems like his particular brand of courage and stoicism.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you felt it fitted Watson.

[yarnofariadne]

This is really poignant and lovely ♥

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much :)

[bethctg]

Well done. ♥

[smallhobbit]

Thank you.

[icecheetah]

Well done on maintaining a solid voice for Watson here. It was clear, and similar to how I read him in the books.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.