The Final Problem: True

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Final Problem
Title: True
Author: spacemutineer
Rating: G

---

"John! John, wake up!"

Mary's hands are cold when she shakes me awake for the third time this week.

"You saw him again."

She's right. And wrong.

I do see him every night. His dark figure, hurrying along the winding path, full of single-minded determination and purpose.

Mary thinks I dream of Holmes. If only that were true.

---

Author's note: If you are interested, a while ago I wrote a missing scene for the Granada adaptation of The Final Problem called Returning. There are a few differences between Granada and canon, keep in mind. If you haven't seen the Granada version, I highly recommend it. The scene with Holmes and Moriarty at Baker Street is delicious. Jeremy Brett is spectacular (and beautiful).

Comments

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

I like this, that Watson remembers the last figure he saw, rather than the one he wants to dream of.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

I just was struck by the idea that Watson saw Moriarty on his way to kill Holmes and dismissed it, continuing on his way. It's a haunting and disturbing thought.

I'm so happy you liked the 60!

[hardboiledbaby]

Oh, yes; truly the stuff of nightmares. Great job.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much. I just couldn't get that idea out of my head. How terrible to have seen Moriarty and let him walk by! So glad you liked!

[methylviolet10b]

Oh wow. Very tragic, and completely believable. Poor Watson! And well done, you!

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Ah, thanks very much! This reading of FINA, Watson seeing Moriarty on the trail really struck me. I hadn't absorbed the full weight of it when I read the story before. Horrible to imagine in reality.

[castiron.livejournal.com]

I've often thought, rereading FINA, that Watson must have kicked himself for not turning around when he saw the other person. Well done!

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm glad I'm not the only one who was struck by that moment!

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

Oh, ouch. The thought that he might have somehow been able to stop him: yes, that would burn. Clever.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Wow, thank you! I just couldn't get past the idea Watson saw Moriarty on his way to kill Holmes. Such a disturbing concept.