Work Text:
“Hello, Molly.”
“Sherlock, hi. Is – is this a bad time?”
“It has been nothing but a bad time since what John insists on telling me was only March.”
“Oh, sorry. Sorry. I’ll call again. Or not. It wasn’t import--”
“Wasn’t important? Nonsense. I have nothing but time, Molly. Now. Talk.”
“I just – I just wanted to ask how you were doing. I know I don’t normally call you, but I haven’t seen you in so long and I was wondering.”
“Fine. Bored, but in good health, which is what you actually wanted to ask, yes?”
“Yes. That was it. Thanks.”
“And you, Molly?”
"Sorry?"
“How are you doing?”
“Oh. Oh. I’m – like you said – fine.”
“Molly...”
“Fine, really, I’m fine. Fine. Fine. Only it’s getting – this is so silly, I’m sorry I bothered you.”
“It’s no bother. Go on.”
“It’s getting so hard, Sherlock. I’m a pathologist. I’ve been a pathologist for years and years and years. I’ve seen what happens to people, I’ve seen what people can do to people, I see it every damn day, but it’s too – too much lately. It’s getting so hard and I’m so tired and I’m not even doing anything. At least my mates from medical school are doing something real, they’re out there helping and I only come in when there’s no more help to be had and - and I don’t usually get like this, and I know we’re not friends like that, and I’m sorry.”
“Molly –”
“Sorry.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. You’re a brave woman, Molly Hooper. The work you do is no small thing, and you’re allowed to be human. You also have a kind heart, which is why, I suspect, you’ve been checking on all of your friends.”
“You’ve got me there. I was doing fine ‘til I got to you. I’ve already talked to John. Give my love to Mrs. Hudson.”
“Call her yourself. She’ll like that.”