The Five Orange Pips: The Tell-Tale Error

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Sherlock Holmes
Summary: Holmes wonders why Watson made such obvious mistakes in his recounting, then stops to ponder the textual evidence.
Warnings: Neglible spoilers for FIVE.
Word Count: 60, plus quotes from the original story in italics. And a bonus extended-play version.
Author's Notes: 60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories. FIVE is one of those frustrating stories for me, not only for the lack of resolution, but for some odd statements Watson makes. I've done my best to address a few of those here.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

FIVE – The Tell-Tale Error

At first I could not understand it. Watson was not married in ’87, and his Mary was an orphan in any case. Why these mistakes?

Then the truth dawned. “Except yourself I have none.” “I could see that he was deeply moved.” “…that absolute logical proof which was so dear to him.”

A case that had no clear ending, that resulted in a watery mystery.

This was not simple error, but evidence of heartfelt, overwhelming grief.

My heart thudded painfully in my chest.

Extended-play version (120 words):

I often underestimate the power – and pervasiveness – of the British press. I hardly expected to find a copy of the Strand halfway around the world from London, much less one that contained one of Watson’s stories. But there it was.

At first I could not understand it. Watson was not married in ’87, and his Mary was an orphan in any case. Why these lies in a recounting of a matter where no further harm could be done to anyone?

Then the truth dawned. “Except yourself I have none.” “I could see that he was deeply moved.” “…that absolute logical proof which was so dear to him.”

A case that had no clear ending, that began in an overpowering storm and ended in a watery mystery.

This was not simple error, but evidence of overwhelming grief.

My heart thudded painfully in my chest.

Comments

[debriswoman]

Movingly linked to another loss.

Well done:-)

Sunday, 28 October 2012

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User thisprettywren referenced to your post from Sunday, 28 October 2012 (http://holmesian-news.livejournal.com/245271.html) saying: [...] by (Holmes, Watson | G | ACD) The Tell-Tale Error [...]

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

But there it was.

There's something about the unexpected discovery and its unexpected contents that make the extended version ache that much more. Perfect little morsels of angst, both.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is wonderful. Especially the extended play, but the 60 works very well on its own.

This is a very moving peek at both men when they are grieving and lonely for one another.

Very well done indeed.

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you!

[methylviolet10b]

Thanks! And I agree with you - the extended version has much more of the 'oomph' factor, of the unexpected discovery. 60 was really, really hard this week!

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! I'm glad the glimpse worked. :-)

[ennui-enigma.livejournal.com]

I think both versions work. The extended one more so, perhaps, if the reader is not as familiar with the canon. Each word is thoughtfully and skillfully used in both of these!

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! I agree, the extended one does a better job setting the stage. It was definitely a struggle to get it down to 60 words!