John carefully licked the tip of his finger and folded over to the next page. Rosie squealed.
"Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."
The book was heavy and John was careful not to drop it. It was part of a new Christmas tradition he decided to start. He was going to read a new book every week to Rosie. This week is "The Polar Express" and next up is "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!"
"Be-bing" Rosie giggled.
"That's right, seeing is believing." John kissed Rosie on the forehead. "But sometimes, the most real things in life are those we can't see."
Rosie looked at John in wonderment with her warm, hazel eyes. They almost sparkled as they reflected the Christmas lights hanging down from the mantle.
"Like... friendship." John felt an ache in his chest. "Or family."
Rosie giggled and John tried his best to fake a smile.
"Tree tree!" Rosie pointed towards the end table.
"Tree Tree" was what Rosie called the little Christmas tree. John has been slowly adding and buying new decorations to make it more lively. To add spirit and Christmas cheer. It's his new hobby now that Sherlock's been gone and Rosie seems to have picked up an interest in it too.
"It's getting late, Rosie." John stroked her head and picked her up.
"Dada!" She giggled.
John showered her with kisses. "Goodnight, my sweetness." And put Rosie down in her mistletoe patterned crib.
___
John played with a loose flap on the side of his chair. Then he reached over and took a sip of his new tea. He's been getting really into the Christmas spirit and decided to buy himself some peppermint and winter spice teabags.
The flat was quiet. And although there were Christmas lights flashing in every crevice and corner, it was... lonely.
John got up and put a vinyl in his record player.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
At the Christmas party hop
A mistletoe hung where you can see
Every couple tries to stop
John hummed along but still felt a pang of sadness. He took another sip of his peppermint tea. Then, a tear fell down his cheek. And then, another. And another.
"There's only 16 more days until Christmas," John whispered to himself. "16 more days..."
He was shaking too much and nearly spilled his tea everywhere. He put his cup down and turned off the music. And then he got up, put on his coat, and went outside. A look of determination painted over John's tears and he unlocked the door.
"I'm coming to get you back, Sherlock."
YOU ARE READING
A Sherlock Christmas
FanfictionDecember has finally arrived. But this only drives a wedge between John and Sherlock. As Rosie celebrates her very first Christmas, John couldn't be more excited. But Sherlock has issues of his own that he must confront before it's too late. Merry...
