The Real Meaning of Idioms

After two weeks away, John finally texts Sherlock. He doesn't expect Sherlock to respond. He doesn't expect Sherlock to keep texting him. And he really doesn't expect things to spiral out of control so rapidly.

The Real Meaning of Idioms

After two weeks away, John finally texts Sherlock. He doesn't expect Sherlock to respond. He doesn't expect Sherlock to keep texting him. And he really doesn't expect things to spiral out of control so rapidly.

The phone buzzed on the kitchen table, shattering the quiet of John’s new flat. Rain tapped against the window like impatient fingers. He didn’t need to look to know who it was. After fourteen days of silence, the screen lit up: The tobacco ash at the crime scene was wrong. You’d have noticed.

John exhaled sharply. Of course Sherlock wouldn’t say hello. No ‘where have you been?’ No ‘I missed you.’ Just a puzzle wrapped in accusation. His thumb hovered over the keyboard. Answering meant stepping back into a world he’d tried to escape. Ignoring it felt like lying.

He typed: Why are you telling me this?

Three dots appeared instantly. Then disappeared. Reappeared. Because you’re the only one who understands how it burns.

His breath caught. That wasn’t about ash. That was about them. Before he could respond, another message arrived: They’re watching you, John. Don’t go home tonight.