Alone On the Water
by MadLori
"Sherlock Holmes receives a terminal diagnosis, and he and John must face the end of their story together."
Plot Summary
Alone On the Water is a brief but devastating exploration of what happens when Sherlock Holmes receives news that cannot be deduced away: he has an inoperable brain tumor. With only months to live, Sherlock must confront his mortality and the feelings he and John have never spoken aloud.
Full Plot Summary (Contains Spoilers)
The fic follows Sherlock from diagnosis to death. As his condition deteriorates, they finally confess their love. Sherlock's final words are a simple 'Thank you, John.' The story ends with John scattering Sherlock's ashes.
Why Fans Love This Fic
Despite its short length, Alone On the Water is one of the most famous fics in the Sherlock fandom, legendary for making readers sob uncontrollably.
Main Characters
Sherlock Holmes
The brilliant detective facing his only unsolvable case: his own death
John Watson
Sherlock's partner who must find the strength to say goodbye
Mrs. Hudson
Their beloved landlady who provides support
Relationships
Tropes & Tags
Themes
Content Warnings
- Terminal illness
- Major character death
- Detailed depiction of dying process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Alone On the Water" about?
Sherlock Holmes receives a terminal diagnosis, and he and John must face the end of their story together.
How long is "Alone On the Water"?
"Alone On the Water" is 8,500 words across 1 chapters, with an estimated read time of 34 min.
Is "Alone On the Water" complete?
Yes, "Alone On the Water" is complete with all 1 chapters published.
Where can I read "Alone On the Water"?
You can read "Alone On the Water" by MadLori on Archive of Our Own (AO3). Download Fanfict Reader for iOS for the best mobile reading experience with offline access.
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