smallhobbit | Sunshine Challenge - Day One

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.