Some nice bits of final reflection there. It's important to learn from the past sure, but don't live in it. I also think you leaned into Pam's views of hard to change really well. There's the odd bit of impulse every now and then like with Michael Scott Paper Company, but for the most part, Pam likes things how they are and things that break that are distressing. Though once through the storm, the strength remains and she grows from it.

A bit of a roundabout way to get to what I was thinking of. I figured Pam was already pregnant at this point which would also explain some of the dreams. But this way works too.

Well done for bring this one to a conclusion.

Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat

Author's Response:

So sorry for posting and running. 

So you have it right, Pam is growing, with help from some dreams and you had it nearly right, the family (and Pam literally) would soon be growing again thanks to some dreams.

Thanks for sticking with this one to the end and being a dedicated reviewer. 

It's not just Jim that's back. Though it's really good to have some insight to her mental state. The dreams that have plagued her along with how the snippets of her how her real life kept creeping in.

All that being said this chapter is a wonderful family reunion. Jim and Pam embracing again. Cece and Phil rushing to jump on their daddy. All lovely. Seems like that storm was the thing calling her home in the end.

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There it is. This feels like her coal walk moment. It's different but no less telling. The moment she finally gets the courage to move. To realize she wants more, she deserves more, and she's going to get it. Wonderful to see that she's finally at this place.

I loved how it was the Teapot and the Card that were the final puzzle pieces that made it all really crystalize for her. Wonderful use of those symbols here. It's almost as if through space and time the final message in a bottle has gotten through.

The lines about why all her other previous pregnancies had been unsuccessful was interesting too. Also makes me feel like when she does get back to her real life that there will be one final reminder of their life in Scranton they'll be bringing with them. Remains to be seen of course. Great chapter. Loved it.

Author's Response:

First off, let me apologize for my lack of response to past reviews. I do so much appreciate hearing yours thoughts all the time but don't always get around to replying so thanks for all of them.

You always have such a fine eye and insights and here in this review it is on full display. The teapot and the card to me are like the symbolic bookends of Jim's love for Pam and how constant it was throughout (even in season 9 when they got a little off track) - and what I felt was important here was that the teapot was another constant of her double life - it was part of her past in both lives and it said so much even without the missing card. It was like Dorothy's ruby slippers (you know I love my Wizard of Oz references) - it was there all along. And knowing someone had loved her like that (and maybe still does) would be the "coal walk moment" that made her recognize she deserved more and was going get it. 

I'm going to leave it there. As for what's to come you may be right or you may not. As with not writing the passage in the card, I like to let the mystery be. 

Thank you again for this and all the reviews.

This feels like a huge moment. A piece of her real life breaking through and for once she doesn't really try to tamp it down. So she lets Jim's video play for all it's worth. It really feels like it's worth a lot. Very much in tune with "open your eyes." Seems like her eyes are a lot more open now. She's had the clearest view of what her real life should be and low and behold maybe those first sparks of courage are starting to get fanned into flames.

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Oh please tell me this person Pam mowed down is Jim! I’m so ready for some Jim in this story! What do the two missing eggs mean? I’m still trying to understand what this story all means… and excited to see how it all comes together! Again, you wrote Roy so cringy— I don’t think I can want Jim to make an appearance more in a story!!!

Author's Response: Yes Roy is pretty awful in this story but I've definitely read him worse.  He hasn't changed even after all the time and all the stuff they went through. It's like he's stuck too. Hmmm.
Thanks for keeping with it, rotten Roy and all, and for the reviews.

Some interesting thoughts that feel like they're setting up something big. First Pam is trying to stuff memories of Jim back down, then she's annoyed at Roy. Very curious headspace for sure. I have a feeling I know who it is she just ran into. Makes me hopeful she'll get that really big jolt she needs.

A while back I mentioned that out there, somewhere in the world between worlds, it feels like Jim is trying to call her back to him. This feels like another one of those moments. A moment where she gets such a powerful memory/image of what should be that it seems like it's clearly unavoidable at this point. Yet we have to remember this Pam didn't go for what she really wanted. She didn't walk over fire or really stand up for herself. There are many more years of settling for easy rather than risking the hard road that are covering up her courage. Really makes me wonder what it's going to take for her to finally break through.

Author's Response:

It does, doesn't it - feel like Jim is trying to reach her but you are right that this Pam hadn't quite found her strength - and on top of that the pregnancy is a strong force holding her where she is. 

As always, your insights and reviews are appreciated. Thank you.

Still things for her to mull over, but she's just existing at this point. Just letting her life go by. Stuck in the doldrums with a life she doesn't really want. Very much feels like she's just bored with everything. She's also kicking herself. If anything it feels like she's really feeling the weight of choosing not to rock the boat. Trying to keep things steady instead of taking a chance on anything.

A few more memories of Jim poking through though. Hopefully that will start to bear some fruit soon.

I'm really glad this story is still alive, I'm looking forward to findimg out where it's heading.

Author's Response: I'm really glad you are still enjoying it. Thanks for that and your reviews.

Feels like another moment of clarity for Pam here. She's actively thinking that this isn't the life for her. It's not one she values or likes. Not now that snippets of her Real life are getting through. The image that she's not ignoring that open drawer in her mind is a big one. Kinda feels like she's on the verge of now going to look for the life she should have. Can't wait to see where we go from here.

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I don't generally require a happy ending to all stories I read, but if this particular one doesn't end with Jim at Pam's side, I'm throwing hands! Also, I think this might be the first 'deja vu' that's hard to believe (but lovely to read), but it's probably just because it isn't from Pam's head, but the doctor's memories. I'm on the edge of my seat for what's next!

Author's Response: Would I do that to you? I guess it is possible - maybe this is her real world and the thing with Jim was her AU - yikes...guess you'll have to keep reading and I do have bit more up my sleeve before we get to an end. Thanks for the read and review - always love to hear from you.

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First of all, I thought you captured the ER well. I’m an OR RN who specializes in orthopaedics, but the ER RNs are a different breed— and I’m confident they’d say the same about me. The only change I’d see in the “real world”— especially at a bigger hospital— is that the minute Pam says “pregnant” they’d likely send he up to OB where they have their own ER so to speak for pregnant women— maybe after an x ray for her ankle, but definitely for an absence of fetal movement. There’s little that collectively terrifies non OB healthcare people more than treating someone who’s pregnant— so she’d likely be whisked up there.

I thought your ER waiting room was great and unfortunately common, but we’re trying to get better at the “catch all” waiting room. Many places have a separate waiting area/entrance/bay for psych needs and peds— so I’m sure Scranton Regional is on their way to that.

I loved your characterization and rationalization of the different nurses because I think it’s so true… one of my coworkers whom I love and respect deeply told me very complimentary and very kindly the other day that he thinks I would be great at being our OR service specialist but I know it would take me out of directly caring for patients every day and dealing more with surgeons, suits, and admin and I do not want to be changed by that.

You continue to not sell me on Roy… but I was hopeful when Pam noticed the absence of fetal movement was associated with the presence of Roy. Still, I’m concerned until she gets checked out— and interested to see where this leads!! Thanks for posting!

Author's Response:

A big thanks for your vote of confidence about the ER scene. I know I didn't get everything right and a lot wrong (and based on something you said I even made a slight - post-edit to the chapter I just put up...so thanks for the thorough review. 

My limited personal knowledge had me referring to ER for a general sense of the scene (and now I'm doing a full on rewatch to the point my next fan fic might be about Carter or Carol). And there's an episode in the first season that clearly demonstrates your point about the non-OB healthcare people.

But let's just say this hospital was not so big, and on that night happened to be overrun with more emergency c-sections than OB professionals upstairs and lastly existed in a fan-fictional world. 

And I appreciate you as a nurse - especially if you are like the one I was envisioning at the later part of chapter (although I imagine the gatekeeping nurses and clerks must have to be tough to keep things running smooth or as smooth as possible).

Thanks again for the review and hope you enjoy the next part (even though I'm sure I might have more "not quite right").