A/N: Oh look, another angsty and depressing 221B.

This can be either Sherlock or John.

Disclaimer is the same as the other chapters. Still do not own, still just visiting.

Martha Hudson waited anxiously for her boys to come home. They had been away on a difficult case and she was worried about them. She was overjoyed to finally hear footsteps, but joy turned to fear as she realised there was only one set of footsteps shuffling slowly up to her door.

As she opened the door, her smile faded. Only one of her beloved tenants stood before her. Blood spattered his face, covered his clothes. His eyes were colorless and full of grief. As her eyes darted around him, searching the empty space beside him for the other one. He shook his head numbly, "He... he didn't make it home," he whispered shakily. Tears filling his eyes.

"We made a mistake. Injuries were too severe. I tried save him, I begged him to hold on till help came. But I lost him. He..."

Tears paralyzed him, leaving him unable to finish the last sentence. The meaning of those broken words filled her and she pressed her hand across her mouth as a sob caught in her throat. She felt trembling arms surround her as the man buried his dirty tear-stained face into her shoulder.

"He died in my arms."

His body shook with heavy sobs and she clutched him to her tightly, weeping bitterly for her other boy.

A/N: So... I'm sorry about all the sadness. Yes, I do keep your broken hearts and feels in mason jars.