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DC- I want you to know that when you posted this update I had just finished the book I was reading and rather than start one of the many books on my nightstand that were "next up", I made this one my next read. When I say this one, I mean I started from the beginning-in part because I have an old mushy brain that couldn't quite remember the story thus far - only that I loved reading it the first time just as I loved reading it again.

I do hope you will update sooner than three years although I'm sure I'd enjoy another reread. You have a great style in your storytelling - I love the little extra details and backstories and how you use the characters and elements from the show, along with some pop-culture bits that I can tell you are having fun with.

Gotta say - JO is especially well-used here and I laughed at the whole 'plot of the notebook' bit.   And using Dawn Tinsley - very clever.

I also have to tell you how connected I felt in this chapter to Pam's experience both up front and at the end (bookends for me) and the memories you evoked. Though it was many, many, many years ago, reading about Pam in her new apartment, you managed to capture the same feeling I had in finally getting my own place after a breakup and move-out from the post college apt I lived in with a serious boyfriend. That sense of freedom and empowerment...and when later my new boyfriend (husband now) the feeling of pride being able to share MY space. 

The end, with the bit about Betsy and Gerry -brought a similar rush of memory about losing the relationship with that boyfriend's mother - no text messages in my time -I got a letter, but the feeling of loss hit me the same.

As for everything in between - great read - love details like he didn't change passcode from her birthday, love Karen and Pam banter, love that Pam is getting a job offer, Pam's insecurity about the ex-wife, that Jim's past booty calls coming back to haunt him (and how that unfolded - terrif)

Again I do hope another chapter  - bring on Betsy and Gerry, and the whole Halpert clan - can't wait to see wat you bring to them. (ps I know you had no itentions on doing more about Karen and Paul but please do)

I’ve been sitting here at the kitchen table with a bowl of half eaten and now cold oatmeal processing how I feel after having not only reread the entirety of what you’ve previously posted of this story, but now something new. And I just-you know, right? That your writing is akin to spellcasting in that it puts the reader in a trace so that all they can do is keep reading, keep feeling the ache of “they love each other, they want this so bad, but they’re both so scared and hurt” and keep feeling the joy of “they’re finding each other again! They’re being honest!” And keep feeling the joy and love and heart that they all (and I mean everybody in this story, not just the main characters) have, because YOU have put them there. God. Incredible. You have to know that, and if you don’t, I’ll tell you forever.

This update was such a perfect turning point. All the stuff from Jo, the way they’re tiptoeing around opening up more about what they want and who they are to each other, the JOB omg. I can’t wait to see what else you do in this universe, how you have greased the cogs of the story and now are about to set them turning. No pressure or rush but like, I need the next chapter yesterday.

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Oh, and five jellybeans for Dawn Tinsley! So clever!

Author's Response: d84;a039;d84;a039;d84;a039;

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I love seeing this version of Karen.
Best line of the chapter:
"“That thing you’ve always done. Stand in a room full of people and look at her like you’ve never seen a woman before.” Happy sigh.

Author's Response: Oh thank you! I had forgotten that line but I really think it describes him, right? 

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So nice to have this story back, having to go back and read the whole thing again from the beginning, which is a pleasure in itself. Slight shades of Carrie and Aiden from AJLT (in a good way, let's hope that comparison doesn't come back to haunt me)

Author's Response: Oh thank you for the reread! That really means so much! And *gasp* because someone told me to watch that Carrie & Aiden date scene and it made me swooooon! Yes, here’s hoping all of our fictional ships sail into a happy ending. 

pls update this more often, it's too good to stop :)

Author's Response: Oh thank you! It’s too much fun to stop writing them too!

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Somehow I missed this story back when it was first posted so I just spent the last 2 days reading the whole thing and slightly neglecting my family. Worth it. What a masterpiece. Looking forward to seeing the next update.

Author's Response: Oh I’ve had some fics like that so I take that as the HIGHEST of compliments. Thank you for your really kind words. I look forward to keeping up with these two yahoos a little more. 🙂

So....there was equal parts excitement and trepidation that hit me when I saw this update. Excitement because of the fact you're back and that means a chapter of superb writing. Trepidation because your superb writing also tends to throw everyone's feelings through the emotional wringer. But dive in we go.

Starting out with that flashback of wonderful, lovely, JAMMY flirting. Excellent! That's just classic JAM flirty fun banter. Contrasted to the levels of uncertainty we see Pam relate to Karen and then Jo. It had been so good at one point, then it fell apart and someone new grew out of those ashes. Now Jim's back and they're falling in love again. Have fallen in love again. It crashed once, it feels very real that it could happen again and what would THAT fall out mean? Good on Jo though to power through some of that and get it all out of the way.

Then the call from Mark. I mean if she's still looking for a sign, there it is in big flashing neon lights. And of course Jim's right there to support her.

Great bit of honest connection too with getting rid of the number old flames. Dawn Tinsley's name coming up. Nice one.

But also the "I love you" squeezes coming back. It's really starting to feel like the great parts of their past are starting to make themselves known. Love seeing that.

Hopefully we won't have to wait as long for an update, but I for one will be here whenever the next chapter does drop. Welcome back. You've been missed.

Author's Response: Thank you for taking the time to review! I hope it won’t be as long either. 😁 I’ve definitely missed this group as well. 

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Oh my goodness what a wonderful surprise to see an update to this awesome story! Frankly I had given up waiting for an update, wrote it off as another awesome story abandoned. Thank you so much for not abandoning this story, please keep the updates coming!!

Author's Response: Ha! Frankly, there were times I had decided to abandon it. Thank you for reading and reviewing with your kind words. 

The sound I made when I saw this update...

DC!! I'm being so genuine when I say this fic may be my very favorite fic ever. It's so amazing and this chapter is no exception. I mean, three years is kind of a long time, but I forgive you wholeheartedly. The three squeezes. Jo Bennett's moments. THE THREE SQUEEZES. Ugh.

But listen, I had an entire child who is basically a toddler now since the last time this was updated and lady, I simply cannot have another child to pass the time between now and the next update so try and make it quick.

In all seriousness, it's so so good to see you and this fic back! It makes me very happy. :)

Author's Response: Oh this makes my heart soar with the eagles nest. Thank you for loving this fic so much and for such incredibly kind words. Also I laughed really hard that you can’t just keep having babies to pass the time between updates. I honestly can’t believe it’s been that long!! 

I wholeheartedly support your use of a whole Grey's Anatomy scene!

I've read this a few times, one of my favorites. I adore the Karen & Pam friendship & you have Karen's voice down perfectly.

I'd like to knock Jim & Pam's heads together! It's obvious they belong together but Jim has changed so much, could it possibly work?

Hope there will be more updates! Your writing is just brilliant!