Please Excuse My Writing

Dearest Sherlock,

I am writing to you because I miss you. I don't even know how this will reach you, but I'm sure your brother will find a way.

I never thought I'd miss your insults, but I do. There's no one here to keep my ego in check, and I think my self esteem issues are deflating. I'm not sure if this is a problem, or not, but it feels wrong.

Where are you? What are you doing? Do you like it there? I hope you do. You deserve to have something good after what you had to do.

I'm keeping an eye out for everyone, just like you asked. They're all doing as well as they can under the circumstances. John has yet another girlfriend, but I think she might stay. Not just because you're not there, but they just... Fit. Like nothing I've seen before. They're so in love. They're like each others best friends. I'm telling you, Sherlock, Mary Morstan might be it for John. I'll keep you updated.

Lestrade and his wife finally got divorced, and he constantly asks me out on dates. I'm considering saying yes. It might be good to stop pining over a man known to be dead.

Mrs Hudson is lonely. She misses you. We all do. Please know that you are welcome back at any time. You're safe with me. Just so you know.

The morgue isn't as interesting without you around. Very dull. Colder than it seemed. No body parts to hand off. No one to tell me to shut up, when I was completely silent. I never thought I would miss those things. But they make you, so of course I would miss them.

Please write back when you have the time. I want to know that you're safe.

Always and forever,

Molly Hooper

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Dear Molly,

Mycroft did indeed ensure that I received your letter. I am currently in Los Angeles. It's warmer than I am used to, but very nice. There's a lot more sun here. At the present moment I am at Venice beach. I don't like to swim, but it is quite serene here. Quiet and relaxing. A good place to think.

I have finished the work to be done here, and will soon be making my way to Australia. Namely the capital city. Most people think that the capital of Australia is Sydney, but it is in fact Canberra, which is smaller, but has many attractions. For one reason or another, Moriarty had a correspondent there, and he is the next biggest threat.

I must admit to you that I was happy to receive your letter. It is nice to know that some one out there was thinking of me. So thank you. Those are two words I don't use very often, so please do not get used to it.

It's nice to speak to someone who knows my real identity, who calls me by my real name. I have always loathed my name, but I think I am becoming more fond of it now.

I wish I was there. I hate to hear that you're lonely, that you're all lonely. I didn't realise the impact you all had on my life, and the impact I had on all of yours. I am happy to receive word of John's well being, especially hearing that he has someone who make him happy. He deserves it. He deserves her. As for the date with Lestrade, I suppose you could give that a go, but I think you would be an ill suited pair.

I have to stop writing now, but please understand that I miss you and everyone else immensely. I will return as soon as I can.

I eagerly await your reply,

Sherlock Holmes