Date: April 28, 2023 08:58 pm Title: Chapter 34 - Kurt & Noelle
I totally believe that Dwight would have notice pam bruises, but if they were noticeable for someone that wasn't as close to her as Jim was, how come Jim never notice? I mean if Dwight notice bruises in her cheek and her wrist why did Jim didn't? He was always at her desk and had lunch with her everyday and never notice? Mmmm.
Just something that kind of bother me, but other that that, great story, keep it up.
Author's Response: Promise it will make more sense as it goes along. Most people see what they have a frame of reference for…. Dwight has known family violence, a family that uses fear and corporal punishment. Jim hasn’t, he has only known kindness and loving relationships. This will be discussed when I give my Jim & Dwight talk later.
Date: April 27, 2023 01:59 pm Title: Chapter 35 - Night talks
I thought Angela's backstory was really great, and really helps to explain her concern for Pam. Loved that she wouldn't let Dwight call her 'Monkey', that was a nice touch.
Feels like Pam's in a really safe place now, glad Jim is there to look after her. And she got a goodnight kiss!
Author's Response:
I am glad the ending didn’t seem too out of place. I wanted to show she was actively working on connecting to Jim and his care of her, that he isn’t Roy. But I also didn’t want it to go ‘too far’ because she is still headspun.
and, there will be more to my Angela… I am looking forward to writing more!
Date: April 25, 2023 09:08 pm Title: Chapter 35 - Night talks
Rough first night for sure. To wake up in a strange room, with all the patterns of your life thrown off along with a lot of what had been hidden now exposed to the light. No wonder she's disoriented. Nice that Angela and Jim are right there to help her make sense of it all. Feels like those panic attacks are going to be coming thick and fast as she starts her journey to healing. However she's also realizing that she's not alone. That she asks for affection feels like a huge step, especially this early. Of course Jim is willing to respond and just be there for her. Good job Jim.
Author's Response: The disorientation and upheaval of coming out of panic and a sedative would make the world feel upside down.
Date: April 25, 2023 08:50 pm Title: Chapter 34 - Kurt & Noelle
Getting this backstory for Angela helps to round out her character a lot. Yes she's still stiff and formal, but she does care. She has her own sense of what right and wrong is for sure, but she's seen something went wrong and she's not going to let it happen again. I like that. Same with cutting through to Dwight like that. Yes Dwight did what he was told, but he needed to understand the why.
Author's Response: I was hoping that Angela could feel like a more nuanced and in depth character, give her more ‘reasons’ for being as stand off and cold as she is portrayed in canon. And, my wonderful Dwight… he needs the whys and what’s for the structure, and then he can understand.
Date: April 25, 2023 12:58 pm Title: Chapter 34 - Kurt & Noelle
OH I LOVE IT! I also noticed the mention of Pam not having words… love it! I can totally imagine Angela in this situation, exactly how you wrote her. Also love the back story. It’s so sweet to see this connection between the two and their softer ways. I love how Dwight is written as not understanding the social cues… but understanding the severity of the situation. He almost reminds me of my autism kiddos at work! :)
Author's Response: I am so glad the nod to Pam not having words caught your eye!
Date: April 06, 2023 09:17 pm Title: Chapter 33 - To the farm
Even though she's out of the hospital, there's still a long road to go in terms of healing. Very accurate picture of the panic attack. One phrase latching on and won't let go despite all outside influence. Felt very real. I'm glad she was able to get the pills down to break out of that cycle and start to get some rest.
Dwight starting to make amends for what he now knows was wrong. Feels like Angela had a hand in that too. I like Angela here. While she is strict, she can be open and kind. I see that here. Especially when there's a job to do.
Dwight trying to not accept any gratitude feels very Dwight. I can hear his thoughts go something like one should not be thanked for doing one's duty.
And then there at the end, she's safe. She's cared for, and she knows Jim will still be with her. It's a very touching scene.
Hope we get more soon. Really liking this one.
Author's Response: Thank you so much. Panic can be different for some and I wrote my own experiences, so I was glad it hit for others as well. I really wanted to hit on the repeating perseverations thought but also show that Pam, at her core, looked for the way out and trusted Jim and Helene to rescue her.
Date: April 06, 2023 09:11 pm Title: Chapter 32 - Discharge
Well goodbye Karen.
Annoying that there are nurses or any healthcare provider who are that obtuse. How hard is it really to even fake compassion to people who have gone through a trauma.
The idea that Roy would be scared of Dwight is an interesting one. Maybe it's because that Roy knew he couldn't intimidate Dwight thus Roy stayed clear. A person who Roy can't control or push around is a person who could see through the fa?ade so yeah I get that.
Time to get out of the hospital.
Author's Response:
I despised writing that nurse, but did not want to portray all medical staff as wonderful and benevolent. Not all are and I am with you…. Pisses me off. But, Dr Paolini is in the image of the many docs I worked with who DID partner with me and let me direct emotionally sensitive cases.
Karen is GONE. Not bringing her back to this story at all.
And that is exactly the reason Roy fears Dwight… not at all ‘figure out able’. Roy only likes those he can schmooze and BS with his initial charm.
Date: April 06, 2023 09:07 pm Title: Chapter 31 - The kindness of friends
Apologies that it's taken me a bit to get to reviewing.
Anyway, nice to see that Jim is making sure she knows he's not going anywhere and also giving her as much agency as possible. Making sure it's ok with her that he can come with her.
Ella saying she hopes to never see Pam again is a great line. One I've used myself over the years.
Then here comes Dwight to offer a place of refuge. Great moment there.
Author's Response:
Same! Ella’s line is mine and I was happy to give it!
I am glad I am continuing to bring the right mix of confusion and dedication of Jim’s canon character to this.
and? Yes… my sweet Dwight is a factor :)
Date: April 02, 2023 03:06 pm Title: Chapter 33 - To the farm
WOW WOW WOW
Author's Response: I am glad it catches your fancy… wow is good? 😊
1 [Report This]Date: April 02, 2023 02:19 pm Title: Chapter 31 - The kindness of friends
OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS SO MUCH! I love Dwight. He is the best in this story. Dwight deserves the world.
Author's Response: I have such a gigantic soft spot for him, I read a lot of ‘the psych of characters’ and have seen him described so negatively. I see him as a wonderful Autistic adult who is particular and masks to do his job, but struggles interpersonally. I felt I could bring out that side of him here.
Date: April 02, 2023 11:44 am Title: Chapter 33 - To the farm
You really nailed Dwight here. I can totally see him looking after Pam like this. Hoping we’re going to turn a corner when you return!
Author's Response:
YES! Glad I did!
I have a lot of good thoughts and general outline for what comes next, but want to give my brain a breather after my 6 chapter tornado that happened this week :)
Date: March 31, 2023 10:31 pm Title: Chapter 30 - Reunion
Very powerful moment for both of them. To be honest and supportive at the same time. To know that they're there for each other. The image of them sitting on the floor in each other's arms is a powerful one. Pam feeling in a place of safety where she can rest. Jim knowing this is where he belongs. Right at her side. Powerfully moving for both of them that they can find their way back to each other after all of this.
I did catch the "Without Words" reference there. Nice little tie in for sure.
Author's Response: The moment with the floor kind of wrote itself and happened organically without my preplanning… made me very happy when I read it back d84;a039;
Date: March 31, 2023 10:21 pm Title: Chapter 29 - Choices take bravery
More pieces clicking in for Pam. About who Roy really was and what he was capable of. Or maybe more like she always knew it, but now she's really admitting it for the first time. Clearly there's going to be a lot more to take in as this all unfolds. But yeah, onwards to Jim and Pam back in the same room.
Author's Response: There is so much more to everything, can’t wait to bring it all together!
Date: March 31, 2023 10:16 pm Title: Chapter 28 - The comfort of siblings
Always love it when Jim can confide in Larisa like that. Most times it's seen that they have a pretty strong bond and you did it justice. Jim's smart to unload some of these feelings on a trusted source who will also give him the straight hard truth. He's going to need it. Felt like a good way to get him set up to face Pam.
Author's Response: I am glad to know other authors have seen the same thing in a VERY unknown relationship with the youngest Halpert. I haven’t come across her to any great extent … but I have not read as many fix here and I intend to 🥰
1 [Report This]Date: March 31, 2023 08:06 pm Title: Chapter 30 - Reunion
AWWW STOP IT THIS IS AMAZING!! Thank you so much! I love this SO much! The parallel was so sweet hand I immediately noticed it! You are the absolute sweetest. It’s so nice to see Pam finally getting herself calmer and feel better. I also love how you write the anxiety as in how she feels it which can resonate with us, such as the fidgeting stings and the anxious apologies. I love this story, it’s so real! Cant wait for the next part! Your writing is fantastic and has so much meaning! I always have your older Pam in my head when I’m writing kiddo Pam!
Author's Response:
I am so glad you caught it!!!!! That moment, your canon just showed up naturally and I was not about to try and stop it!!
I am so glad you are enjoying and hope to continue to do this justice d84;a039;
Date: March 31, 2023 07:50 pm Title: Chapter 28 - The comfort of siblings
Finally some sense talked into him! I loved your take on Larissa.
Author's Response: I truly plan to have Larisa around more in future… I liked where my head canon took it!
Date: March 31, 2023 02:10 pm Title: Chapter 28 - The comfort of siblings
I love a Halpert sibling. Glad she gave it to Jim straight!
Author's Response: I do too...felt like this was the best place for Jim to have outside support and I did not want it to be either of the older brothers.
Date: March 27, 2023 04:16 pm Title: Chapter 27 - The kindness of strangers
I'm very glad to see that Pam is realizing there are still kind-hearted (in their own ways) people out there who have her best interests at heart. It's probably something she hasn't believed about herself in a long time. A bit of Mama Bear Beesly there with some tough love. Letting Pam know Roy's not worth HER time is a powerful statement. It feels like she's giving Pam agency back. if Roy's not worth Pam's time, Pam has the choice to just leave him and that's that. Of course it's probably much more complex, but the idea is there.
Finally Jim and Pam will see each other. Hopefully they've learned a bit now about assuming they know what the other is thinking. Can't wait to read the next instalments.
Author's Response:
I liked that Mama Beesly walked a fine line, trying to hold to letting Pam make her own choices...but she recognized that knowledge and understanding INFORM choices and she needed to remind Pam of that.
I cannot WAIT to write what comes next!!! It is hopefully going to be as wonderful as I am sketching it down!
1 [Report This]Date: March 27, 2023 04:09 pm Title: Chapter 26 - A brief lesson in therapy
I do like how Ella is being a lot more firm with Jim than with Pam here. Feels like he needs it. Get rid of any Dunning-Kruger thinking he might have in regards to how things should be and give him the real information about how things are. Seems like his eyes have just been opened to the real breadth and depth of this issue. I like that even with these first bits of new knowledge he's soaking them in like sponge. Yes, he has a lot to learn and unpack on his own, but it also feels like he's getting ready for the long haul that this will entail.
Author's Response:
I like that Ella gets to be a little more firm...Jim is not her patient. She gets to have a little more 'umf' with him and try to snap him in to reality for the sake of her patient.
We always knew Jim was quick witted, I was hoping it would play here that he would pick up on the information and understand it...once he took the time to focus.
Date: March 27, 2023 01:29 pm Title: Chapter 25 - Make a choice
More steps forward for sure. Rather than assuming she knows what he's thinking, she's listening to her mom. Good. Probably going to need a lot of that going forward as well. I also really like that she's asking for him. Good on her.
Author's Response: I am so excited to have finally brought it back to when she asks to see him. Can't wait to write more to add on to the next few chapters this week!
Date: March 27, 2023 01:25 pm Title: Chapter 24 - Jim shares what he learned
Yes it's a terrible day, no doubt. However he's already starting to unload it all. Good. He's going to need to as well. The weight of anyone trying to carry all that will be crushing. I'm glad they have Ella there to help them through these first few steps.
Author's Response: Hopefully this will play out appropriately as it moves forward. Trying to very much use 'my Jim' as a vision for the feelings so many have when trying to understand what their loved one experiences in these situations.
Date: March 27, 2023 01:23 pm Title: Chapter 23 - The Why's continue
Feels like this is the first step in a long road of finally talking about everything. Letting it all out to trusted people. Good for her. Interesting that though she doesn't want to see Jim right now, she also doesn't want him to go away. Feels like she has realized that when he said he's not going away he meant it and that he's also respecting the boundaries she's put in place for now. A man respecting her boundaries probably feels like something new for her at this point in her life. So it feels like a step forward in progress. Good for her.
Author's Response: Pam is absolutely at a place she is no longer in panic mode, so she can think a bit more, but you are right...having anyone truly respect her wishes is extremely foreign.
Date: March 27, 2023 11:13 am Title: Chapter 22 - Gaining information
I'll say this, Dwight's friendship with Pam comes through here. He's looking out for her with getting all her personal belongings and such. I still say Jim needs to remind him in no uncertain terms that for all Dwight's grandstanding, if Dwight knew or had an inclination of what Roy was doing, he failed Pam too. He may have scored a Brownie point by bring Pam her things and a change of clothes, but if he had acted sooner, like the hero he thinks his is, Pam wouldn't have needed them in the first place.
So Roy, with a DUI conviction had a concealed weapon on himself? That's not going to go over well for sure. Nice to see there's a way forward for accountability for that guy here. One that involves him never leaving a prison for a VERY long time.
Author's Response:
Dwight is not done. I am absolutely planning for him to be part of the rest of the story 100% and there will be space for him to seek to make amends too. I am planning to build on his previous statement in the ambulance around "what people do at home, stays at home" and even Dwight will admit his failings.
I fully intend to build more of a friendship between Jim and Dwight than was evident in the series.
And...Roy is ABSOLUTELY going away. He had a DUI (canon) and then I put a weapon on him, in the Dunder Mifflin offices. I wanted a way to take the 'power' and responsibility for him going to jail out of Pam's hands. The pressure of it being in public, on property where he put other employees at risk and it was caught on camera...he is going away.
Date: March 27, 2023 11:07 am Title: Chapter 21 - Explaining why
Nice to get some of the transition time. How Pam was reaching out for help and trying to put security measures in place. Roy acting like this, being unable to let her go or let her get away is seen in a whole new light. No wonder he was so nervous whenever the cameras were around. He's scared. Scared of everything she knows he's done to her and her ability to let everyone know that. Good bit of backstory for sure.
Author's Response: Exactly..given the nature of how horrible he has been to her, I have to find a way to fit that brief 'back together' in and this seemed kind of natural..hitting on both how often people do get back with abusive partners, how hard it would be to be surrounded by all these trappings of a wedding she had been planning. It was a bad time.
Date: March 27, 2023 11:02 am Title: Chapter 20 - Making the call
Tons of roiling thoughts going through his head right now. Pam rejecting him again, Pam hurting all this time, Pam taking on pain to protect him. How long he'd known her and not known what was really going on. It's a lot to take in. Should be interesting to see where calling Dwight will go.
Author's Response: Hope you are not disappointed with where I go with Dwight... I have such a soft spot in my heart for him.