Sunshine Challenge - Day Seven - Sunshine Jasper

[smallhobbit]

Probably the hardest one of sunshine_challenge this year, I was stumped yesterday. However, taking a leaf out of stonepicnicking_okapi 's book, I've written a ficlet which also fills my watsons_woes July Writing Prompt for today. The sunshine jasper is supposed to be for those attempting the impossible, and is also known by its other name of bumble bee jasper.

***
When we were talking about moving to Sussex, whatever my expressed reservations may have been, one thing I never mentioned to Holmes, although no doubt he was aware of it, was my feeling that by moving away from London I would be leaving my beloved Mary behind. In my mind she was tied to the city, to all the places we had visited together, and the memories these places recalled for me.

I was mistaken. Now, every time I look at the impatiens planted by the front door, I am reminded of her. There are countless little touches around the cottage where I can imagine Mary has been. Seth gently showed me where his own wife is buried and said she would be very happy to share her grave with my memories, so every year I lay flowers there on the date of Mary’s death. And in this way, all that I once believed impossible has been achieved.

Holmes has always understood this need of mine and has never resented it. I know, too, that he has his own private griefs, some from his youth, others from the time after Reichenbach. There are days when he spends longer out with his hives than I would expect when he seeks some solitude. For I have my flowers and he has his bees.

(Part of Watson's Diary)

Comments

[bunn]

That is a really delightful match of stone and writing.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much.

[enemytosleep]

Holmes has always understood this need of mine and has never resented it. I know, too, that he has his own private griefs, some from his youth, others from the time after Reichenbach. There are days when he spends longer out with his hives than I would expect when he seeks some solitude. For I have my flowers and he has his bees.


This final paragraph is really lovely in the way they each hold their separate griefs in parallel.

Thank you for taking part again this year. It's always fun for me to see what folks have to share with us.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much, I'm delighted you liked it. And thank you for running the challenge, I always enjoy participating.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Very glad I could provide some inspiration. I think you did a very good job incorporating the stone and its significances into the Sussex world.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. You were extremely helpful!

[lightbird]

This was a hard one, wasn't it.

I really like your interpretation, and the fic is lovely.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, I was definitely struggling for a bit. Thank you, I'm very pleased you liked the fic.

[dr_zook]

What a lovely way to interprete that prompt! I especially liked the part about their different ways to grieve.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much - I'm delighted you liked it.

[bemused_writer]

Lovely introspective piece of Watson's. (^^)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much.