These last two chapters are incredibly emotional for entirely different reasons and you handle that range of emotions so well.

There is so much angst in this part of their story but that’s what makes it richer and more realistic. You do such a great job at capturing her feelings of frustration and doubts and uncertainty. Wonderful updates!

Author's Response:

Many Thanks. I used to be nervous about writing anything angsty. It is a boost of confidence to hear it comes across when I do. I agree it keeps it real to write this part of the story as well.

Thanks again. NExt one wraps it all up! 

Okay, that test dream was too real. (I once asked my father how long after he graduated he stopped having that sort of dream and he said he'd tell me when it happened). I can see Jim and Pam both suffering from this one frequently. And having Kevin there to twist the knife was a nice touch.

DEEP DIVE REFERENCE. Jim being removed from his normal sources of comfort - and being removed from it even if he was physically present with them - stings.

"Mold in the kitchen, Dwight could take care of, and had." My headcanon as well. And also, good metaphor.

The POV transition around the dress... OW. Very Season 9. Totally well-intentioned gesture that just hits all sorts of nerves for Pam. In general, this feels very true to how raw she is at this point in the narrative... everything's a potential trigger, right down to the Berry Smash.

This description of how he's recharging at home while simultaneously making things worse for Pam... brutal.

“I was telling Beth about Athlead, and how you take off to Philadelphia for half the week.” Oh, Jim. Jim Jim Jim. That was... not something you should have missed the implications of. He's just so bad at picking up on her tone here. Man, this season was a bummer.

Ugh, and Pam ends up being completely undercut by the ending. And so we continue on our downward slide.

Okay, that was INCREDIBLY angsty, but well done!

Author's Response:

I knew you'd mention the dream...they can be very scary stuff. Luckily, it's been a while since I've had one but I'm sure they're not done  and I've had my share...well, well, well after any school I've attended.

Like the deep dive - do you?

Sorry for the all the angst, but the show started it! At least I give a little hope at the end and we know that while it gets much worse before it gets better...it does get better. Nice mornings ahead.

Thanks so much for the read and review. I'm humble and grateful. 

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This was a great take on S9 angst which still fills me with dread when I can sometimes stomach them on Comedy Central reruns. I love the reference to Dwight fixing the kitchen… but not being able to fix this mildew— that could turn to mold. My stomach dropped though when I read that Jim was going to surprise Pam with the dress from 5 years ago. Ugh. Great intent, but has so much potential for going wrong. Her stream of consciousness about the outfit was great… and of course Jim fit into and spiffied up HIS first date shirt… oh my heart aches a little for Pam. I loved the shadow stuff with the menu and bread basket… their problems were definitely much bigger and darker unspoken… and that reinforced that concept. Great call to the fact that as part of Dunder Mifflin, Jim’s business was also Pam’s business— but that Athlead was not.. and whether it was Jim not trying to bother her with “unnecessary stress” (maybe his thinking) or just that Pam didn’t know the specifics, I can see how that really stung not being a part of those moments.. which could potentially lead to bigger implications. And her reaction?? Oooh!! I think that you taught us all a little bit about assuming what someone else is doing… in this case Jim being on the phone for not Athleap but for Isabel and the kids— not that he’s out of the doghouse, but that without them speaking, they’re never going to get on the same page.

Mostly I love that this ended with hopefulness… because that season 9 shit was INTENSE!  I love that Jim still (literally) reaches out— and Pam still accepts.  As long as that’s happening, It’s gonna eventually be okay.  Thanks for this hopeful take on the S9 shit— it was well handled and I loved it!