1 [Report This]Date: June 11, 2020 08:31 am Title: You start my day before the dawn
Just to let you know this will be the 1000th review I've left here on MTT since I joined the site. Kind of a cool milestone and I figured I'd let you know.
So a decent amount of things going on here. Jim and Pam are continuing to progress in their relationship. Pam's still stressed out, but she seems to be holding up better too. Seems having an outlet for her art as well as girl time with her roommates.
I like this moment Jim is creating with Pam. It feels very much like how he would create moments with her in the early seasons of the show. However here there's no Roy in the way so that's a nice thing to think about.
Great banter between the two of them. Lots of fun. It also opened the door for a more meaningful conversation so that was nice to see too.
Lovely chapter.
Author's Response:
Thank you, Warrior! And congratulations on your achievement!
Hope you'll enjoy the continuation as well.
Date: June 11, 2020 08:07 am Title: You start my day before the dawn
I LOVE this story so Lluch. Your writing is beautiful. I always feel like im traveling. I love how you describe every place.
Was the bee thing real or a dream? Can’t wait to read more.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! And you'll find the answer in the next chapter :)
Date: May 29, 2020 01:22 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I’m sorry it wasn’t a good week for you! I hope next week is better!
Oh, I love that Pam’s new roommates are Karen and Isabel! That’s a great way to bring them into the story. “Perhaps, under different circumstances, they might have been good friends” such a good nod to canon.
“It kept her equally busy and exhausted and didn't leave her time to think or feel anything.” My heart is heavy for Pam here. That’s no way to truly live. Although, I can understand why she’s basically operating on autopilot here. It seems to be the only way she has of coping with these big lives changes.
Ugh. Pam. Losing it because Karen reminded her of what Roy had done. So heartbreaking. Lovely writing to draw that out. I love this scene with Karen and Isabel having her back and listening to her.
I like this Karen.
“drinking wine from tea cups” I love this! This is a perfect image.
“that she could be weak and strong at the same time” Yes! This is such a great realization.
To top it off with Fancy New Beesly! So good!
Pam and Jim actually speaking honestly at the end of this chapter is a breath of fresh air. All of Pam’s misery has been sitting heavily on my chest as I read and it’s finally a whole lot lighter. Lovely end to the chapter!
Author's Response:
Thank you, Jenna, for your awesome review! I also hope that next week will be better...
I really wanted Pam to have girl friends, and I like Karen (but only without Jim nearby!), so it was natural for me to make them roommates (and friends in the future, I hope).
I'm really excited that you enjoy my story :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 04:37 pm Title: Understand me without dictionaries
Another heavy chapter to be sure, but an important one. There had to be something that broke Pam and there it was. However it was wonderful for Karen and Is to just be there for her. I loved that they just were there for her, re-encouraged her, and gave her some desperately needed perspective. It was just the kind of encouragement she needed and I loved reading it.
I love that it also gave Pam the courage to be so open and honest with Jim. She still needs him as a friend right now and he stepped up to the plate nicely. She is going through a lot so as much as I'd love for something romantic to bloom, taking it slower is probably better in this case. Good for Jim to be the kind of guy she needs right now in that regard.
Author's Response: Thank you for your review! I think this Pam needs understanding and encouragement the most, and I truly believe that Jim could give her all of that. For now, it's enough, I guess.
Date: May 28, 2020 10:42 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I feel like you got to cover a lot of ground in this chapter, and I like that Pam is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, even if she's not quite there yet.
The scene with Karen's comment pushing her over the edge was heart wrenching, and I'm really glad those ladies were there for her in the aftermath.
There a lot a of small details that you sprinkle in that I just love, it really fleshes out the backdrop that you're painting with the story.
Great chapter as always, and I look forward to Pam getting to explore her art.
Author's Response: Thank you very much for your review! This story is important to me, and I truly appreciate your feedback! Also, I'm glad you like it :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 09:48 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I love that Pam is coming into her own without having to rely on someone else. And I really like your depiction of Karen and Isabel and how they bonded together to support Pam. This is exactly what she needs before moving on . And Jim, well of course he completely understands her. Pam just had to find the courage to be honest with him. So glad she did.
As I said before, you write this story beautifully. And I love this urban setting. Reminds me of when we could travel.
I can’t wait to read more.
Many, many jellybeans!!
Many
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your lovely review, Merria! I miss traveling so much, and I'm excited that my writing could help to recreate the atmosphere of the journey.
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 07:46 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I just read all 6 chapters of this and then I had to get up from my desk and take a quick walk to sort myself out. This is why I love AU's so much - the world you've created and thrown our favorites into is so, so lovely and charming and a little bit magical - and I'm here for all of it.
I'm still processing all of the intricate details sprinkled throughout, and the way you're writing everyone and I just really appreciate the way your mind works.
This might sound weird, but this is how *my* mind works. As I was reading this story, everything was playing out in my head like a movie - and not just any movie, but one of those small indie movies where when it starts, the colors are all kind of muted blues and greys but as we follow along, and our girl Pam here gets stronger and happier, more color starts to creep in. That probably doesn't make sense, but I feel like Pam's life is about to get a burst of color pretty soon here, and I'm so looking forward to it.
Author's Response:
Oh, thank you so much for such a great review. I was thrilled to receive it, and I'm glad you like this story.
Your description makes perfect sense to me; to be honest, I feel something similar when I'm writing it, but instead of colors, it's music. Slow and depressing at first, with the following chapters, the temp of it becomes more energetic and rhythmic. And I'm excited that it worked for you!
Date: May 28, 2020 07:43 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
Ok I was going to say how much I enjoyed this chapter--The Office doesn't have quite enough strong female friendship and this was a great way to add it in, plus the Jim/Pam stuff--but then you put in that teaser for the next time and I NEED it. Need it so much. Nice work!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm working on it :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 22, 2020 08:49 am Title: I will be as white as snow if you allow me to be
I love a good star wars reference sandwiched into a chapter
‘Well, Roy Anderson had always been the personification of the word 'injustice,' but now it added even more layers, hues, and shades. He became a granite statue, looming over the heads of people like an old Soviet monument, repressing and coarse.’
THIS! This was my favourite part of this chapter, and while all of it was really good, I loved this, it shows how Jim feels about Roy so clearly
Author's Response: Thank you for your lovely review! I'm happy you liked the chapter and the lines (and I also love to put references to my favorite things into my stories!).
1 [Report This]Date: May 22, 2020 03:19 am Title: I will be as white as snow if you allow me to be
“He wished her to be independent.
Unfortunately, she also became independent of him” This is heart wrenching! I mean, it’s good for Pam in a lot of ways to find herself without jumping into anything with Jim. It’s still so hard to read, especially because Pam seems so miserable too. I’m glad Roy is gone, but his memory is still lurking. I hope Pam is a little happier next chapter...
Author's Response:
Thank you, Jenna!
Here was the result of the constant fight between 'take it slow' and 'now kiss!' Some important things and some angst should happen, but my fingers are already aching to type some fluff ;)
Date: May 21, 2020 09:06 pm Title: I will be as white as snow if you allow me to be
Good chapter to get us moving. Yeah it's a hard time for them. But at least Roy's out of the picture now. Kinda figure it's going to take Pam some time to get her feet under her. Hopefully things start shifting for the better sometime soon.
Jim's ache as he's still just the friend felt very real here. He really wants to be more. You really get the fact that following his sister's advice is wearing on him.
Author's Response:
Thank you for your review, warrior! I'm glad that this chapter worked for you because I'm not feeling good about writing the heavy stuff (but it has to be written nevertheless).
1 [Report This]Date: May 21, 2020 08:59 pm Title: I will be as white as snow if you allow me to be
I'm glad Pam's gained her independence, now I just want to see her happy! You've written the mood so well in this chapters because it really feels like a great trouble at the same time as a triumph. Looking forward to seeing how Pam moves forward with her new life.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, DG! Since LotR ending, I have a soft spot for bittersweetness, and I'm glad that I could show a hint of that in the chapter.
1 [Report This]Date: May 21, 2020 08:51 pm Title: I will be as white as snow if you allow me to be
Aw. A very S2 level of angst there. Also, seriously, Jim, caltrops? A Dwightlike solution, that. But a good chapter and I'm interested in where you go from here.
Author's Response:
Well, S2 level of angst is my cup of tea, because S3 level turns me into a sobbing mess, so...
And I really believe that Jim and Dwight have more in common than they would like to admit :)
Thank you!
Date: May 18, 2020 05:44 am Title: Not today for sure tomorrow
Wow. I just read all four parts at once. This is such a great story! Keep the storyline, change the setting. Brilliant. Can’t wait for the next update!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter as well :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 13, 2020 11:25 pm Title: Love in payphones is doomed to be short-lived
“Apparently, all this time, Pam was drinking from the mug with the chipped edge as well.” This whole metaphor is perfection. I love it so much. Roy is definitely the equivalent of chipped china when the good stuff is right there, within reach.
Kelly being obsessed with Eurovision in this world made me smile despite all the heavy emotion swelling in this chapter.
“She also failed to bring back the time when butterflies in her stomach had turned into apathetic chrysalises and they — into caterpillars, wriggling in dread.” I love, love, love this. This is such beautifully written description of Pam’s feelings for Roy.
“She could live with Roy's anger, but wouldn’t be able to stand Jim's disappointment.” Damn, that hurts. For Pam to feel that way is utterly heart wrenching. I can totally see her thinking that though.
This chapter was all kinds of wonderful. I can’t wait to see independent Pam.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much, Jenna! I'm excited that you liked these lines :)
I can't understand and explain the popularity of Eurovision, but it had to be last weekend, and many of my friends gushed about it so much... even if they aren't into music and show-business. So Kelly, for sure, wouldn't miss that!
1 [Report This]Date: May 13, 2020 07:11 pm Title: Love in payphones is doomed to be short-lived
I like that she's listened to her friend's advice and is making the changes in her life that she wants, even if they are indirect, like botching her Visa application or direct, like handing back that ring and slapping Roy out of her life!
Heartbreaking that Roy wasn't understanding, comforting or willing to wait for Pam... and she was just looking for any scrap of love he had to offer her. Any reason to stay. I'm glad it propelled her to make those big changes.
Like Jim, I'm also wondering what her next step will be!
Thanks for writing!
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading and reviewing!
I felt a little heartbroken when I was writing that part about Pam's decision, but... eventually, it turns out well for her :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 13, 2020 04:45 pm Title: Love in payphones is doomed to be short-lived
Quick pause in my reading or I'll forget to comment on this. "Rodents of unusual size," and "as you wish?" Lots of Princess Bride quotes on the archive right now and I am 100% here for that. Ok, back to reading.
Ok so starting off this chapter still on the heavy side. Roy the jerk is on fine display here. I mean you paint the picture here very clearly that Roy is only in the relationship with Pam for what he can get out of it. He's in no way interested in putting in any actual effort to make her happy or even find out what would make her happy. Sorry to tell you Roy, but in general making decisions for someone else usually doesn't end up well. Now of course he's paying for that with Pam leaving him. He still seems really pissed off though and I wonder how that's going to pan out.
Good for Pam to get that bit of backbone though. Really good to see her emerge from the fog of that relationship and realize it doesn't hold anything for her. Of course now she has to deal with the fear of the unknown. That anxiety is also very palpable.
Jim is of course doing what he's best at. Taking care of Pam. Good to see him just being there for her. Hopefully now that she's clear of the fog bank of her failed relationship, she'll be able to see more what it right in front of her.
Still a heavy chapter, but not as much as last time. There's a ton of pressure to be sure, but there's clearly a corner that's been turned. Great to see.
Author's Response:
Thank you very much for your review! I really enjoy reading it. I like to add some moments from the movies (books, shows, etc.) I like into my stories (if it fits the storyline, of course), and I'm happy when these moments are noticed.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you'll enjoy the continuation as well.
1 [Report This]Date: May 13, 2020 02:07 pm Title: Love in payphones is doomed to be short-lived
Wow, that's one way to really remove Roy from the picture, just straight up exile him! I really liked Pam's take on that confrontation, just waiting for any sign that Roy was as invested in the relationship as she was... And getting nothing.
Well done, looking forward to how Pam copes with her newfound independence.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! I spent a lot of time thinking about what could be the reason for Pam to left Roy without Jim's confession and ended up with this. Glad it turned out well :)
Hope you'll find an answer in the next chapter (or two)!
1 [Report This]Date: May 13, 2020 01:27 pm Title: Break my chest not knowing the measure
Oh wow. The way that Jim thinks of himself as Roy? I’ve never thought about it that way before. So heartbreaking!
Author's Response: Oh, thank you for your comment! Perhaps, sometimes I'm too harsh to Jim...
1 [Report This]Date: May 13, 2020 11:52 am Title: Love in payphones is doomed to be short-lived
Well that was a good turn of events. Time for some independent Pam. Can’t wait to read how her relationship with Jim develops
Author's Response:
Thank you for reviewing! The development might be slow a little... but it will progress :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 13, 2020 11:49 am Title: Not today for sure tomorrow
I love this, a lot! That tea-set metaphor was such a good realisation for Pam, and her having that discovery was a long time coming! The start of this chapter made me want to wrestle Roy, but by the end of it I was smiling, filled with some classic jam love. Well done :)
Author's Response: Thank you very much! The start is rough a little, but I could promise to save some special moments for the next chapters :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 13, 2020 11:27 am Title: Love in payphones is doomed to be short-lived
Aww. Good for Pam. She definitely needs to stay away from Roy long enough for him to get out of the country though...for all our sakes, including hers.
Author's Response:
Oh, yeah... I don't like Roy in this story, so... she needs.
Thank you for commenting!
1 [Report This]Date: May 09, 2020 03:34 pm Title: Break my chest not knowing the measure
Your writing is hauntingly beautiful. I love how the Jamness is the same but also different, how you capture that banter so well. I'm so excited to read more!
Author's Response: Thank you very much! I'm very insecure about the dialogues (though I like to include them), so your kind words mean a lot to me!
1 [Report This]Date: May 08, 2020 04:15 pm Title: Break my chest not knowing the measure
Oh, this chapter is both hauntingly beautiful and utterly heartbreaking. When you used the “you have to take a chance on something sometime,” it destroyed me. The angst just rolls off the page. It all feels a little darker in this world at the moment. I hope Jim has the courage to talk to Pam when he’s sober...
Author's Response:
Oh, Jenna, it destroyed me as well when I was writing it, but some things just have to be done...
Buuut... things might change ;)
1 [Report This]Date: May 07, 2020 08:53 pm Title: Break my chest not knowing the measure
That felt very heavy. Interesting to see them square off like that. I do have to wonder if Jim's bluster has more of an effect than he knows.
Jim's introspection is key here I think. Even before he got drunk, I think it's telling that he is realizing that all the distraction wasn't doing anything to get her away from Roy. It was just covering up things to make the bad relationship easier to forget. I wonder how he might now react after this epiphany.
A heavy but a good chapter to be sure.
Author's Response: Thank you for your great review, Warrior! This chapter was hard to write, but I hope it was worth it. I'll try to keep the story on the same level!