A/N: Answers to mini-mysteries are posted in the subsequent chapter. If my updates are too slow or you want your curiosity answered sooner, feel free to PM for the solution.

Disclaimer: Don't own or benefit. Some stories might make more sense than others. Quite random. May be more than one correct answer.

Doctor John Watson sighed. The department stores might see a post-holiday slump in their customer numbers; not so for surgeries. There were always too many clients suffering from the seasonal cold and flu after Christmas.

"Dr. Sawyer, here's my request for bereavement leave." Debbie placed the form on her boss's desk with an apologetic smile. "I didn't know him very well but he was a good kid and I owe it to my nephew to attend his funeral."

~221B~

"She's a decent nurse although she's maxed out on her allotted annual leave this year. We need her but how can I not allow her a few days for a family funeral?" John's colleague shrugged helplessly. "It's been a rough year with her mum getting ill right after her dad's tragic heart attack. Being the only child means she bears all the responsibility when it comes to her mum's care. Can't be easy."

"It certainly isn't easy on any of us but perhaps we should have another chat with Debbie?" He looked over at his tired co-worker. "The three of us should discuss all this extra time off she's been taking. I'm suspicious there's more going on than she is telling us."

"Why, what makes you say that, John?" Sarah queried.

"For starters, I don't think she has a nephew," John began.