The Locket

I swam to the shore and taking up the towel that Holmes had left for me I retreated to the shelter of some nearby bushes, after brushing as much of the sand that was possible off of my still damp skin I resumed my Bodine clothing.I picked up the towel and walked over to Holmes who was now dressed and sitting upon the shore, I lowered myself down beside him and used the towel to dry the wet mass of hair that I had pulled over my shoulder, I studied the sharp hawk like profile of my companion who sat with his long arms wrapped about his drawn up knees his chin rested against the back of his hand, his light grey eyes were fixed upon some unknown object in the gently flowing waves. I put the towel down and ran my fingers slowly thought my hair trying to comb out some of the tangles, it was so peaceful out here, no sound except that of the gently crashing waves and the light breathing of the man beside me . the night was dark, the only light was the brightly shining moon that hung above us, I sighed peacefully and stretched myself out upon the sand, I gazed up at the star covered night sky so crisp and clear. I felt more relaxed and comfortable than I had in 4 months, curling onto my side I closed my eyes and breathed deeply of the clean salty air.

"Don't leave me yet Russell" Holmes voice broke though my fuzzy mind, thought from the lazy drawl in which he was speaking I could tell that he was just as relaxed as I was, I smiled slightly.

"just resting my weary bones Holmes' I returned with a slight smile.

I heard him chuckle lightly, and the sound of the sand moving as he rose.

"come Russ, your bedroll is a better place than this cold sand" I rolled over and took his outstretched hand, he pulled me up and drew my hand though his arm as we walked along in companionable silence, I wanted this night and feeling to last forever, but I knew that come morning we would once again have to resume our character's and journey. I sighed wearily and felt Holmes sudden sharp gaze upon me,

"its almost over Russell" he whispered gently.

I raise my eyes to his, feeling slightly ashamed that I had allowed such weakness to be shown. I smile assuring ,

"I know" I answered.

Holmes thin lips turned up in a smile and he presses his hand to mine in a silent gesture of understanding. We said not a word but continued to walk to the camp, I reached my hand up to touch the locket I always wore about my neck, a habit that I had formed when I was a child, that golden locket that held the picture of my family never ceased to give me a feeling of security and comfort, my fingers reached up to close around it when I suddenly found myself grasping the air, with a startled gasp I suddenly pulled away from Holmes and looked down at my neck, there was nothing there, Holmes turned to me in confusion and worry.

"my locket" I breathed,

I felt as if someone had punched me in the stomach, all the air left my body and my heart beat unbelievably fast as my body began to tremble.

"It was there just an hour ago..." I searched inside my robe and pockets, then a sudden realization hit me with a sickening feeling I turned to the ocean that was behind us, there was only one place that it could have gone, and I knew that there was no hope of recovering it o the bottom of that dark ocean floor. I felt Holmes hand upon my shoulder turning me to him

"I'm sorry Russ" he told me softly,

I saw that his eyes were searching my face intently, they were full of pain and I knew that he understood . I managed a weak smile

"there's nothing we can do about it" I whispered in a broken voice,

I turned and walked to our small tent pushing open the flap I lowered myself upon the bedroll pulling the blanket up over my head, I heard Holmes enter and I knew that he was watching me, he let out a low sigh, one of pain that nearly broke my heart, I knew that I could reach out to him I knew that he would understand and comfort me, but I could not bring myself to do it. I laid still until I heard Holmes breathing slip into a slow even pace and I knew he had fallen asleep. Burying my face into my pillow, I let the barrier break and the flood of tears came pouring forth I smothered my sobs and clutched the blanket to my chest as I curled into a small ball and grieved like a little girl for my lost treasure.