Tonight's episode reminded why I love this show....and this reminds me how wonderful our little fic world was here. Lovely and sexy (especially that last part - love Jim, uh, getting ahead of himself with excitement) ... exactly how I imagine it would be if there were a spy-cam in their bedroom during this period (only, not manned by Brian, cause eww.) But I digress. Thanks for this sweet bonus gift, you :-)

Look at you with the fic, babe! You still know how to make it flow, to nail the characters and their banter so naturally - and all with such unfussy deft touches - that I just get pulled in and enjoy the ride (like a good episode of the show.)

Thoroughly enjoyed Pam's exasperation- sick schmick when you're the mom. Especially loved when she succumbs to Jim's charms: "You're such a bastard." Ha, perfect! And clever title too, missy.

Thanks for this unexpected treat - more fun than a feverish Jim Halpert. Wee!!!

Author's Response: Colette my dear, thank you for the thoughtful review!  I especially enjoy being told I had unfussy deft touches!  Lovely! Thanks for props about the title too! I thought it was pretty clever myself! ;-)  

1st, thanks for not abandoning this to the tomb of the unknown fanfic. 2nd, the lost week is more often written from Jim's pov, so thanks for giving us Pam's half of that mysterious  equation.

And mostly, thanks for doing it so well. You've distilled her emotional arc into well observed moments - looking for hope in are we out of toner (semiotics was never so bittersweet); saying good luck, not goodbye; her strained dynamic with Karen; and my fave: His profile is harder, each side so different. Literally true about his face, but also such an eloquent metaphor for her sense of being caught between the Jim she hopes is still there (hers) and the newfangled one she fears he may have become (Karen's)...The scattered pieces of Jim all around her...

Each brief section is as rich as a chapter. Complex emotions/specific characterization in few words - knowing when enough is enough...man, I love a well crafted one-shot. Haven't read much fic lately, so this was an especially lovely treat.

 

Such a treat to drop by here and discover this and a new story by unfold. Double scoop!

And to quote Pam: 'I haven't asked you to stop.' Seriously, thanks for updating. You've still got it in spades, my friend.

Author's Response: Oh, you're too kind, Colette!  :D

The ground reels under his feet; he feels drunk and concussed and wonderful. Unhurried, grateful, sloppy kisses, slow explosions of color and light behind his eyelids. This is happening.

You sure make it feel like it is.

Concussed is so apt - Jim seems hit upside the head, both awakened (something inside him roars back to life) and thrown totally off kilter. And I'm loving growed up Pam, owning it. You make the momentum here so tangible, this particular place/mood so vivid. What's that you said about a pub? Feeling suddenly parched....

Thanks for this lovely gem. Especially love how Jim wills her to look back as she walks away, and she does...then that final smile between them - such a subtle but auspicious note to end on. Also liked the traffic light that's never green, yet suddenly is - nice little metaphor there, my friend. 

Author's Response: Thanks, Colette. Metaphors are fun. :) I worked on that careful conversation for an eternity, but the looking back was how I planned on it to end right from the start. Glad you liked it.

You heretic, you! I never thought I'd read a fic where I was relieved to learn Pam had died...and enjoy it! Clearly, that's due to your writing; this is sad, sexy, full of palpable inner conflict and even a bit hopeful. I also appreciate your focus on one, concise experience, rather than 10 chapters about his struggle - packs so much more of punch this way.

Personally, I don't see a few days < a year as unbelievable. I (sadly) have two friends who've lost spouses - neither the reaction, nor its schedule, is always what you might predict. Sexy as this was, it was also clearly about a bigger catharsis, just the start of a long road ahead. Had Jim jumped into a major love affair that soon, or were it just about bonking...that would be harder to swallow. (No TWSS intended, I swear!)

What next, you write a story that makes me glad to see Pam run away with the circus, and Jim marry Karen? (I kid. Please don't.)

Btw, 'It was time to pick up his children' is a perfect last line...so poignant, in so few words.

Okay, I need to finish with a question: did you name her Allison as a ref to that other great old Elvis C. song? (I hope so, cause that's my fave ;-)

Author's Response: Oh colette, thanks for the thoughtful review! I knew this one was not going to be "popular" but it's gratifying to see that you liked it for what it was. I've had friends who have lost spouses as well, and yeah, it's not predictable what grief does to a person. A 30ish year old widower with two little kids is a mixed up soul. My next story is called "Water for an Elephant" and it's about thirsty, pregnant Pam, who goes off to join the circus and leaves Jim for a vampire. How'd you know? I jest, but never fear, I will never, ever, in my wildest darkest gnarliest moments, write a fic where Jim marries Karen - I swear by my fav Kurt Elling album. (it hurt to even type "Jim marries Karen." Ouch.) And by jove, you got it. *sings* Alison...my aim is true...my aim is true.