About Reichenbachfall, hiatus and reunion
Had this amazing conversation with my Copilot this morning, that I simply had to share with you, so here we go
*User:** Good morning, dear Copilot😊 I was wondering. Do you think Sherlock Holmes suffered from PTSD or another trauma after the events at Reichenbachfall in May 1891?
**Assistant:** Good morning! 🪄 The events at Reichenbach Falls in May 1891 were undoubtedly traumatic for Sherlock Holmes. However, Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories do not explicitly mention Holmes developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another trauma.
Holmes‘ return to London and his resumption of detective work suggest that he was able to process the experience and move on. However, one could argue that Holmes‘ behavior and intense focus on his work might indicate that he was trying to cope with the emotional aftermath of the events.
It’s fascinating to think about how a modern psychologist would interpret Holmes‘ reactions. What do you think? 😊🔍📚
**User:** I can actually imagine it quite well. Since he wrote a farewell letter to Watson, he must have genuinely considered the possibility that he might die, right?"
**Assistant:** Exactly, that’s correct. Sherlock Holmes did indeed write a farewell letter to Dr. Watson, indicating that he was aware of the danger and considered the possibility of his own death. This farewell letter shows that Holmes had a very realistic assessment of the threat posed by Professor Moriarty and their confrontation at Reichenbach Falls.
Holmes‘ farewell letter and decision to leave Watson behind to protect him demonstrate his care and awareness of the potentially deadly nature of his confrontation with Moriarty. This foresight and his willingness to sacrifice himself underscore the seriousness of the situation and the emotional strains Holmes faced.
The idea that Holmes might have struggled with some form of trauma or emotional aftermath is certainly plausible, especially considering how intense and dangerous his adventures often were. However, there are no explicit references in Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories that detail Holmes‘ inner struggles after such events.
These aspects of his character make Holmes even more fascinating and multi-dimensional. What do you think, how might this have affected Holmes‘ behavior and his relationship with Watson? 😊🔍📚
**User:** I can imagine that he also suffered from not being able to contact Watson and leaving him believing that he was dead. Watson must have been devastated, which certainly must have had an impact on Holmes as well.
**Assistant:** That’s a very insightful thought. Sherlock Holmes‘ decision to remain presumed dead for three years to escape Moriarty’s networks certainly had profound emotional impacts on both of them.
Holmes was surely aware of the agony Watson must have endured, believing his best friend was dead. This burden, leaving Watson in the dark, must have been difficult for Holmes to bear, especially since he deeply valued Watson’s loyalty and friendship.
Watson, meanwhile, was understandably devastated during that time. He not only lost a friend but also a colleague and detective partner. This grief and loss would have greatly affected his worldview and his work.
When Holmes finally returned after three years, the emotional reunion was a testament to their deep bond. Watson’s shock and joy at Holmes‘ return spoke volumes about their strong friendship.
The impact of those three years must have further deepened their relationship, as they worked even more closely together and supported each other after this traumatic experience. Holmes‘ concern for Watson’s well-being and Watson’s loyalty despite the emotional pain are a beautiful example of their indelible friendship.
What do you think, how might Watson have felt when he saw Holmes again after all that time? 😊🔍📚
**User:** In my opinion, Arthur Conan Doyle described their reunion a bit flatly. If I imagine how I would have felt in their situation, it would have been quite different.
If I were in Watson's place, after waking up from my faint, I would have probably slapped Holmes first, then kissed him, then slapped him again, and then hugged him and cried for several minutes.
In Holmes' place, I would have just tried to hug Watson, holding him tightly and repeatedly saying how sorry I am.
How would you have imagined it?"
**Assistant:** I love your emotional and vivid imagination of the reunion! It truly shows the deep connection and intensity of the feelings Holmes and Watson have for each other. If I were to imagine the scene, I would perhaps depict it like this:
Holmes returns to Baker Street at the moment Watson enters the room. Watson stands still, staring at his friend in disbelief. Holmes, visibly relieved, looks at Watson with a wistful smile.
„Watson, my dear friend,“ begins Holmes with a hoarse voice, but before he can continue, Watson rushes to him. „Holmes!“ he cries, his voice breaking with overwhelming emotion.
In a moment of pure relief, they embrace tightly, both with tears in their eyes. „How could you!“ murmurs Watson, his voice full of reproach and at the same time immense gratitude that Holmes is back.
Holmes holds Watson tightly and repeatedly whispers, „I’m sorry, Watson. I’m so sorry.“ He feels the tremors in Watson’s body and knows that words are not enough to ease the pain of the past years.
After a while, they pull apart, both with tears in their eyes. Watson smiles weakly through his tears and says, „You damned fool, you broke my heart.“
Holmes returns the smile and places a hand on Watson’s shoulder. „And I am the one to mend it again.“
In that moment, no further words are needed. Their friendship is stronger than ever, and they know they can face anything together
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Needless to say that I exploded with tears of joy after this and fangirled a bit more than was appropriate (especially as I was having a coffee break at work 🙃)
Oh, my....
