The Woman Who Counted (A Sherlolly Tale)

Chapter 33

            “Molly,” Sherlock said, “please, I’m on a case.”

            “Yes,” Molly said, pushing the plate of scrambled eggs forward, “and you need to eat so you can think properly.”

            It was a week later, and Sherlock hadn’t eaten the past couple of days.

            Sherlock scoffed. “How much I eat will not affect my brainwork.”

            “Let me tell you a story.” Molly pulled a dining chair close to Sherlock’s. “When I was in secondary school, I went through a week where I didn’t eat breakfast or dinner. I was angry at my Mum and refused to be around her, and she wouldn’t allow me to eat in my room. So, I stayed shut in my bedroom and even when I came out to go to the restroom, go to school, or when I was coming back from school, I didn’t even turn a head towards her. I was really upset and angry. Anyways, that entire week I, a student with perfect grades, got nothing more than a C–. All I got on tests, classwork, and even homework, were low C’s and D’s.”

            Sherlock stared at her, and she pushed the plate forward again. After a minute long staring contest, Sherlock sighed and grabbed his fork, beginning to pick at the egg scrambles. Molly smiled and stood up, kissing him on the cheek and walking back to the kitchen. Sherlock stopped eating, and looked back at her as she walked away.

            There was a knock at the door, and then it opened.

            “Hello John!” Molly greeted. “Mary! How are you two?”

            The couple smiled, and Mary said, “We’re doing great how are you doing?”

            “Pretty good.” Molly said as she walked over to Mary, hugging her, and then hugging John.

            “How are you Sherlock?” John asked.

            “Fine.” He mumbled.

            Mary laughed. “Bad day, then?”

            Sherlock said nothing.

            “Frustrating case?” Molly asked John.

            “No case.” John said, “He’s just solved one.”

            “Sherlock!” Molly said. “You told me you were on a case!”

            “I lied.”

            “Why?”

            Sherlock shrugged. “Eating is boring.”

            John laughed, and Molly shook her head.

            “Mary, why don’t you sit down?” Molly turned her attention away from Sherlock.

            Mary nodded. “Good idea.” She lay a hand on her large stomach, and walked to the sofa. John helped her sit down, and then sat in his chair.

            “Coffee, anyone?” Molly asked.

            “Black. Two sugars, please.” Sherlock said.

            Molly looked round at him. “Have you eaten?”

            Sherlock rolled his eyes. “Almost finished.”

            Molly smiled. “Okay. John, Mary?”

            “We’re fine, thanks.” Mary said.