As the first rays of dawn rose on Christmas Day, Sherlock is aglow with anticipation. He heads downstairs to the Christmas tree and finds his parents already up and drinking coffee while lounging on the couch. They were almost all together again, almost a family again. Sherlock smiles at them and they stare at their son with warmth in their eyes. Mrs. Holmes hurries off to the kitchen and returns with a plate of elegantly decorated sugar cookies. It it the perfect Christmas scene with cookies, coffee, presents, a glowing tree and smiling faces. A few mintues later the doorbell rings and Sherlock rushes to answer it, John stands outside in the snow shifting his weight from foot to foot. When he sees Sherlock he flashes him a nervous smile and holds out a sloppily wrapped gift. Sherlock returns his smile and invites him inside, they head up to Sherlock's room and Sherlock gives him the present we bought together. As John tears into the wrapping paper Sherlock shivers in anticipation. From the box John pulls out a leather bound journal. His eyes widen and he freezes for several moments, Sherlock bites his lips and worries he may have chosen the wrong gift after all. Then suddenly John thaws and wraps his arms tightly around Sherlock's torso while planting a peck on his cheek. Sherlock cheeks flush scarlett and as John pulls away it is his turn to sit in silent stupor. Sherlock slowly regains the ability to speak and says, "I know you love writing because I notice you writing stories when you should have been writing down cases." Sherlock smiles and John giggles before he says, "open my gift now Sherlock." The gift turns out to be a yellow and black jumper with a bee on the front. "I love it!" Sherlock exclaims while he hugs John. The moment is perfect. Then it is over. They head back downstairs together and Sherlock begins watching the window waiting for his brother's arrival. The sunshine begins to fade slowly along with the feelings of light and hope. Sherlock's family still isn't complete it was a puzzle with a piece gome and a piece missing. Just as Sherlock begins to lose all belief of Mycroft coming to visit the phone rings. Sherlock rushes to grab it and is relived to hear his brother's familair voice through the speaker. Until he hears what Mycroft has to say. "Hello Sherlock I decided to stay at the academy because I need to study, give my love to mum and dad. Merry Chirstmas." With that he hangs up the phone leaving Sherlock in silence. Just like that the illusion of a perfection is shattered. John tries to comfort Sherlock but it is hopeless and he needs to head home. Sherlock spends the night alone, letting the darkness creep over him. He stares at the celing and refuses to cry.
