Restorative (121 words, August 2016 prompt, rated G)

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Title: Restorative
Author: gardnerhill
Form/Wordcount: 121
Characters/Pairings: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson
Rating: G
Warnings/Content: None.
Summary: There’s a reason for the old English saying “A change is as good as a rest.” Takes place during the ACD Canon story "The Adventure of the Reigate Squires."
Author’s Notes: For the Holmes Minor August 2016 prompt: Relaxation.


When I saw my poor friend a prostate husk in the Hotel Dulong, I resolved to see that he was made well again by the healthful properties that would be found near Reigate in Surrey. After the long hard hours of work over months to defeat the Baron Maupertuis, Holmes needed a complete rest-cure.

As it turned out, I had chosen wisely in accepting my old patient Colonel Hayter’s hospitality. The splendid country air, birdsong and lush green fields did nothing to ease my friend from his depression and exhaustion – but the bizarre robbery, murder and petty family squabble that had turned deadly stimulated Holmes’ brain with the pleasure of another puzzle to solve and restored the sparkle to his eye.