Date: January 12, 2008 08:11 pm Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
Oh man. Talk about bittersweet. I had forgotten this was your third night. I loved it. The idea that she had PREPARED. Ouch. But you're totally right. She had only the highest hopes and expectations. So joyful. And yet, knowing what actually happened...
Author's Response: I couldn't resist posting this without your mad beta skills- I wanted to surprise you! She was so excited, and then...and I imagine that she spent a long time the next night telling herself that she should have expected this. Poor Pam. Of course, we know things get better! Thanks, sweetie!
Date: January 12, 2008 08:07 pm Title: Chapter 2: Alone
I hate the imagined intruders when I'm alone at night.
I'm still just so taken with the sentences comparing before and after Roy. And yet "home" is still not where she's actually living. Poignant.
Author's Response: Yeah, I think it takes a while to think of the new place as "home" no matter the circumstances. And I also think Roy would have been after her all the time to "come home," which would have reinforced that in her head. But I love that you use the word "poignant" because that's what I was going for. She's in a new, better place (in her life, if not in her neighborhood), but it's still hard for her because of all she's lost (both Roy and Jim). Thank you!
Date: January 12, 2008 08:04 pm Title: Chapter 1: I can't
Man. Even better the second time through. It's just so tense and conflicted and really, truly sleepless.
Author's Response: I can only imagine what Pam went through that night (Jim, too, for that matter). I'm so glad it holds up to repeated reading! Thank you!!
9 [Report This]Date: January 12, 2008 07:24 pm Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
Such a good chapter. "Finally, she had confessed to herself that she wasn't so much cleaning as she was preparing. She was getting ready for a guest who was long overdue." Sigh. Poor Pam!
Author's Response: Thank you! Yes, poor Pam. I torture her quite a bit in this one, don't I? Heh. Thanks for reading!
8 [Report This]Date: January 12, 2008 05:06 pm Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
This chapter is more depressing than the previous one because she's so happy and we all know that tomorrow won't be wonderful.
Author's Response: Sorry about the depression- you're absolutely right, of course! I always let myself get carried away, and often get disappointed, so I guess I channeled that into Pam's situation, here. I hope it wasn't so depressing that you stop reading- I promise it gets cheerier. Thank you for commenting!
10 [Report This]Date: January 12, 2008 02:20 pm Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
oh pam. this is such a heartbreaking chapter - you can just imagine how excited she must have been and we all know how that next day ends.
excellent writing, cant wait for more.
Author's Response: I'm glad you're enjoying the angst- it gets better, I promise. Thank you so much!
Date: January 12, 2008 01:42 pm Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
Oh, Pam. My heart is just breaking for her knowing what's coming tomorrow. I can really imagine her going through this. You're doing a great job with this. Can't wait for more. I'm sure there's at least one better night ahead for Pam.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! Yes, at least we know things didn't stay so bad for her. The problem with getting your hopes up is that they have farther to fall. Thanks for reading- I hope you enjoy the end!
10 [Report This]Date: January 12, 2008 10:09 am Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
This chapter is heartbreaking. I've never really thought about what the time right before the merger must have like for Pam, just how hopeful she must have been about his return. I actually teared up when I read this. Can't wait for more- something happier perhaps? lol
Author's Response: It's sad, isn't it? She was so crushed, she must have been so hopeful beforehand. Yes, happier days are coming soon.
9 [Report This]Date: January 12, 2008 09:00 am Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
Poor Pam... I still cringe when I watch "The Merger," because it just goes from good to awkward to painful so quickly. That look she gives in the parking lot when Karen scratches Jim's back destroys me every time.
You've done a marvelous job in conveying the sense of excitement and hope that she must have been feeling the night before.
Can't wait for more!
Author's Response: Oh, thank you! Yes, poor Pam. The crushing of her hope is just awful to watch. More coming soon.
Date: January 12, 2008 07:48 am Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
Awww....this chapter is good, but it makes me sad...because of what actually happens when he comes back!!
Author's Response: I'm sorry! I know I wasn't being very nice to poor Pam here, but I do appreciate that you thought it was good anyway! Thanks so much...there's more to come!
9 [Report This]Date: January 12, 2008 07:24 am Title: Chapter 1: I can't
Oh, this is so very good...I can only imagine what the next two sleepless nights will be!!
Author's Response: Thank you! I hope you enjoy them as well.
Date: January 12, 2008 07:18 am Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
She set him free and he has returned, which means he's hers to keep, right?
Ow. Punch me right in the grief bone, why don't you? But I like that Pam is sleepless for a different reason, even if we know the soul-crushing that awaits Pam in the PLoD.
Author's Response: Yeah, I guess it was mean for me to set her up for the soul-crushing so much here, but I think it was evident in her face in that whole ep. Sorry about your grief bone- I'll make it up to you, I promise! Thanks for reading!
Date: January 12, 2008 07:06 am Title: Chapter 3: Tomorrow
Was it just a couple hours ago I wished for another chapter? Man, I'm going to wish for a Mercedes right now!
When I thought about what nights you might tackle next, I knew this one was coming, but wow!
Finally, she had confessed to herself that she wasn't so much cleaning as she was preparing. She was getting ready for a guest who was long overdue.
Oh, this is just exactly right, both her preparing, and your description. Again, the last line...good grief, my heart is breaking for her! So well done.
Author's Response:
I sincerely wish I could be a fairy godmother for you, Sweetpea! Heh. Thank you so much for your comments. That whole episode was such an emotional roller coaster, and you just know she was so excited...just to be crushed. I'm sort of imaginging Pam as someone like me- I sleep when I'm depressed (like hiding from the world), so it would have to be something else that keeps her awake (fear, or, like here, excitement). Keep your eyes peeled for more installments!
Date: January 12, 2008 03:39 am Title: Chapter 2: Alone
Oh, the last line just killed me. I love your writing, nqllisi. I'm struggling here to describe it, but you have such a light and delicate touch but the end result has an elegance that a lot of writers need more words and a heavier hand to achieve. I know Pam's got more sleepless nights ahead, so I'm looking forward to more!
Author's Response: Wow, thank you so much! I worry that my pieces are usually too short, but I find that I'm most effective when I just write what I need to write and let the rest speak for itself. It's reassuring that you agree! Thank you so much, and there will be more, for sure!
Date: January 12, 2008 03:29 am Title: Chapter 1: I can't
Oh, Pam! I definitely think she would have been sleepless this night and replayed his confession and their kiss over and over again (just like most of us have done with our DVDs!). I love that you mention the temptation she felt and I absolutely love the last line.
Author's Response: Thank you! Of course she was tempted, but I think she had years of history and also a sense of what was "right" for an engaged woman at that point. She had to convince herself that being happy was also "right". Thank you- more to come!
Date: January 11, 2008 04:36 pm Title: Chapter 2: Alone
okay, yes that is a benefit of being alone. it really is a tricky benefit. i love being able to be alone and cry. but sometimes you also want someone to comfort you (um, jim!)
but, seriously, you made my pulse race with that mysterious noise she heard. i am such a wimp like that. like first day i moved into my apartment, i was alone, roomie hadn't moved in yet. i checked the locks like ten times, i had everything locked, and i was so nervous i couldn't sleep. i finally feel asleep exhausted.
Author's Response: I'm so sorry I never replied to this! I get a little jumpy when I'm home alone, too- but I've never actually lived alone in my whole life! So I think all of you who manage it are very brave. Thank you for your comments, as usual!
Date: January 11, 2008 04:34 pm Title: Chapter 1: I can't
more secretive reading on my part!
okay, trust me, if i had just had that kiss, that moment with jim, my skin would still be tingling and i wouldn't be able to sleep. such an amazing heartbreaking moment that was.
she can't marry roy, thats what it means pam!
Author's Response: Amen, sister! Poor Pam- that night must have messed her up for quite a while. I am so glad she came to her senses!
8 [Report This]Date: January 11, 2008 01:04 pm Title: Chapter 2: Alone
A very nice glimpse into Pam's first big step in a series of steps that will lead her to step across coals. :) I've always tried to imagine how lonely she must have been for that first little while.
Excellent job!
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you! You know, the night after "Beach Games" isn't actually one of my 5 nights, but now I'm re-thinking. She really did have a long journey to take to get to the fire, didn't she?
8 [Report This]Date: January 11, 2008 01:01 pm Title: Chapter 1: I can't
"it was like drowning and flying..."
Oh, that's a wonderful line right there. :) I love the idea, and I look forward to see where you take this! Nice!
Author's Response: Whoa, I didn't even have time to upload chapter 2. You're fast, buddy (TWSS!). Thank you very much- I hope you like subsequent chapters!