In The Dark No One Can See Me Fall

Chapter 9: The Fatal Wound

SHERLOCK
Eyes blood shot. Sweat trickling down from my forehead. There was no comfort found waiting for me at 221B. I slouched in my chair not caring about my posture and forced my eyes closed. By this shielding myself from the tradgic reality in which shook my very core this evening. My hands furnished upon my face as the memory replayed in my mind. His precious blood was spilled and splattered on the pavement. I took him in my arms, "John. John.Why didn't I save you?...", I pulled him closer, "Why couldn't I save you?".
***
It had been less than an hour after I stormed out of Bart's Hospital away from John and I had gotten into a cab. Wanting to go home...wanting to forget about all the occurrences of the day. To numb myself from emotion the only way I knew how. When I had arrived I immediately reached for the method that would make it all go away. When arriving I located the method I intended to use but was interrupted by the light and sound propulsing from my mobile. The screen was black with no image but still you could hear the interference of two people conversing. Gradually, pixels started to form until a clear image was made. My eyes widened as there projected was John and across from him was no other than Moriarty himself. Moriarty was after me but there he was with John on what looked like the roof of Bart's Hospital. It appeared as some sort of showdown and I tried to listen attentively at what they were saying.

"It's been a good game John but as you know all good things must come to an end", Moriarty stated, "You did all you could to save him- that Sherlock but at what cost. Look where it's got you now the grave".

"If it means finally ridding the both of you from his life and letting him live then everything that I've done, everything that I gave up was worth it.", John pulled out his gun, "You no longer have the power to make a mockery out of my life anymore", and with that he pulled the trigger shooting Moriarty straight in the head dead.

I didn't need to hear much less see more I was already outside of Bart's Hospital. Running up the stairs at full speed to pushing the door open leading to the roof.

"Stop Sherlock don't come any closer", John had climbed up the ledge, "It's not safe. Your life is at risk".

I rose my hands up in defense and gradually walked toward him. "John, I don't know what Moriarty threatened you with but this is not the way to deal with it.", John turned to face the street below. My heart beat quickened , " Even I wouldn't have done something so rash as to jump off a building. I'd find another way." John made fists but still refused to completely face me only looking over his shoulder.
I went on, "Imagine what it would have done for traffic", I was running out of options if there was any hope of getting John off that ledge and back to me it was now, "Besides, I couldnt put you through that". That seemed to struck a cord with him as he finally turned to look at me.

"I never meant for all of this to happen. Please I come groveling at your feet forgive me for today, forgive me for the court case, forgive me for everything I put you through. I wanted to protect you and preserve our relationship but no matter what I did I couldn't stop it from already crumbling. I never thought I could ever be happy, that life could be meaningful again but you made it possible. You were the best, and the wisest man I have ever known. I treasured you and each adventure we shared. You've given one hundred percent to me and I took it for granted. I've failed you I guess I am nothing but a wretched,heartless, old man. I'm not worthy to be called your friend.".

"John I-", he stopped me.

"Let me finish. Sherlock Holmes you deserve much better than me but I'm grateful to have had the pleasure to have accompanied you this far. Despite what everyone else says you'll always be the most remarkable man that anyone could have the good fortune of meeting", he twisted around and smiled saying, "Goodbye Sherlock".

"JOHN!".

He had jumped from the roof.
***
"It's all my fault if only it weren't for my incompetence and my negligence to see what was going on then maybe John wouldn't have had to do what he did. If it weren't for my existence then John would still be alive. I've caused torment and suffering for those near me. It was my curse. Why did I let him get close to me when I knew something exactly like this could happen ".

I fell out of my chair onto the floor before John's chair. I glared at it and ultimately began to beat it with my fists. Overwhelmed by guilt and frustration I gave up resting my head in his chair. "He's dead because of me and from henceforth I renounce my status of consulting detective. I am not unique. I never was. Now I'm just like everyone else... ordinary".

JOHN
From outside I fixed my stare upward toward the window taking one last glance. The tears hit the concrete, "Don't worry Sherlock I'm coming back", I disappeared into the darkness here begins my exile.