What do you want to be when you grow up? I don't want to be alone.

11

"Here we are then."

"You sure this time?"

"Well, I think so..." The Doctor stepped outside of the TARDIS with me following behind. He sniffed quickly then took another couple of sniffs. "Yep, definitely right this time."

"You can tell the time by smelling the air?"

"Oh yeah. Well go on." I hesitated just a moment before bolting home. Halfway to Baker Street I slowed to a walk, trying to calm myself. I was just going home. Home to John. John, who I hadn’t seen properly in over four years.

No, stop that. Stop. Why was I like this? I had never let my emotions get a hold over me before. I took a deep breath as I approached the door, pulling my key out of my pocket as I did so. I looked around my flat, glad to be back. But my skull, the smiley face, the bullet holes, where was everything? John must have cleaned up after I left... I turned back around as I heard footsteps approaching.

"Who the hell are you?" I spit out, unable to hide my surprise.

"Me? Who are you and what are you doing in my flat?" I looked at the woman in front of me and deductions flew through my mind. Finding none of them helpful, I pushed them away. "Your flat?" I had never considered the fact that John would move out in my absence. At least, I hoped that he had just moved out.

"Yes, my flat! I’ve lived here for years!"

Years? But the Doctor was sure this was the right time, that I hadn’t been gone more than six months!

"MRS. HUDSON!" I bolted down the stairs into the arms of the landlady.

"Oh, Sherlock, what are you doing here?"

"Mrs. Hudson, where’s John?"

"Who?"

"John, John! Where is he?!"

"Sherlock, you’re not making any sense dear. Oh I missed you. I haven’t seen you since my husband was on trial in the states. Heard you were dead. Poisoned." My head started to real. What was going on? Where had he gone? What happened?

"Mrs. Hudson, I need a phonebook. Now."