Breath

There were few things quite as unnerving to John Watson as Holmes, in the midst of a dark mood, disappearing without word.

For the better part of a month, Holmes had fallen prey to a brooding despondency. Watson presumed it was set off by some failure in a case. Whatever Holmes' musings were, Watson knew not; only that his eyes had remained dull since his return from the unreported affair at the Pritchard estate, and that his efforts of drawing Holmes out of his depression remained unsuccessful. The detective maintained reticence, his occasional responses resigned to nothing better than passionless observations.

Only upon one occasion – earlier the same afternoon of Holmes' disappearance – had he offered a statement demonstrating any presence of thought. Emerging from his dark room, Holmes had stared hollowly into the fire.

"Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit…"

"… And lost without deserving," Watson finished quietly, eyeing Holmes' expression warily. "Holmes?"

The detective continued to stare, apparently lost again in thought. He was pale and obviously weary, and Watson felt a growing sense of urgent concern. "Holmes, old fellow, are you alright?"

At last, Holmes emerged from the disturbed waters of his mind; his expression cleared (although, a mournful despondency lurked about his eyes) and he turned to Watson, seizing a sudden breath -

- IMPORTANT -

What happens next! Holmes seizing a breath? Does he sneeze? Does he yell? Does Watson punch him in the face?

I've decided to move the arc I was working on to a story of its own entitled Crime in Comprehension. For those who have been with me, the existing story has been minutely expanded and will continue without the 221B formatting limitation. Thank you for your advice!

Now, advertising over, I suppose we can continue our (ir)regularly scheduled 221B drabbles. Thanks again!