Can you tell me a bedtime story?
Of course, dear anon! :) Â Although Iâm sorry it turned more into an actual story than a bedtime story! I apologize for any errors there may be. Here it is:Â Â Â One day a young boy was sitting alone in the playground. His favourite spot was at the top of the slide where the birds flew just overhead and the sun gently warmed the wood. At the top of the slide, the boy felt he could see the whole world. It was beautiful, and it was all his own.
That day, as the boy was sitting in his favourite spot, he heard a soft voice calling up to him from below.
âMind if I join you?â The young boy looked down at another boy about the same age. The boyâs bright blue eyes looked back up at him hopefully. Taken by surprise, the boy wasnât sure how to respond. This spot had always been just for him. He liked being alone, only himself to keep him company. How would this other boyâs presence change that? Reluctantly, the boy at the top of the slide nodded. The look on the other boyâs face glowed as a beaming smile broke across his face. The boy began the climb up to the top.
When he reached his destination, he eagerly plunked himself down next to the boy at the top of the slide. The first boy cast this new acquaintance a reproachful glance. The new boy smile and looked around him.
âWow,â he said, âsure is nice up here.â The boy sighed with relief at the approval of this newâŚfriend? Yes, he thought. He would like that.
âAwfully lonely, though.â
âI donât really mind it,â was his response.
âI think,â the new boy observed, âyouâre just saying that. Not to worry! Iâll keep you company up here!â The boyâs initial surprise was soon replaced. He felt a spot that had once been so empty fill with warmth. He couldnât stop the oncoming smile.
âYou certainly donât say much,â the kid continued. âI think youâre afraid. Are you afraid?â The boy glanced away, unsure of the answer. A small, reassuring smile tugged at the corner of his new friendâs lips.
âWell donât be. The name is Sherlock Holmes. And yours?â The boy smiled. Sherlock? What a peculiar name. Grinning, the boy looked into the electrifyingly blue eyes of his new friend.
âWell, John, would it be alright by you if I accompanied you up here?â John didnât even have to give a reply. Sherlock could read the answer in the boyâs dark but excited eyes. The two smiled at each other and looked back out at the scene around them. Side-by-side, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Best friends, playground mates, school buddies, and soul mates, stuck together for the rest of time.
And thatâs the way it should be.