So sad! I think an obvious choice in a death fic is to end with someone dying. I like that you didn't take the cliche choice, making this not a death fic, but a survivor's story. Seeing how Jim is coping is just heartbreaking. I'd love to see this story continue, though I can definitely say I wouldn't love to see it take the "Jim finds someone new" angle. But it would be great to see Jim and Abby, with flashbacks, stories and imaginings of Pam.
If you want.

Thing To Do:

-my wife

ties with:

"I can't go, I have this thing."
"What thing?"
"A penis."

from "How I Met Your Mother" as the most awesome use of the word "thing" ever.

Author's Response: GETOUTTAHERE!! Seriously?! It's a tie?! *sniff, sniff* That's one of the nicest thing to hear ever! Thank you andtheivy!

This was swell!

Haha, sorry. I couldn't resist.

But it was.

"All Pam can think is awkward and that maybe Karen can see right through her. Like, back off my boyfriend awkward see right through her. He's mine and my hair is, yes, naturally this beautiful."

Okay, I love that. And yes, I hate Karen for her hair as well. Also, her figure. Okay... bitter Ivy out...

I love how you show Pam's struggle here, but you add in funny asides, like the line above and the Cosmo comment, to keep it from being maudlin. Looking forward to reading more and (hopefully) seeing Jim/Pam interaction.

Author's Response: Thanks for the reviews, ati!

Oh, you just love to torment us, don't you? My goodness, lady! But you do it so well. And I agree with both Nan and Hannah - Jim needs the smackdown. I eagerly await what will come next.

Ooh...what does he decide??

I was thinking while reading this chapter that Jim was always that character who had trouble saying what he felt until he really needed to say it, then he would be very simple and direct about it: Let's break up (to Katy), I'm in love with you, Yes (to Karen's question about if he still has feelings for Pam), Will you marry me?
Nothing extra or no flowery lead ups.
You're doing so well at showing that Jim-queasiness that comes before anything that really needs to be said is said. I'm looking forward to what happens next.

Author's Response: He decides on two things: 1) Grape soda 2) .... you'll see. ;) And you're absolutely right about Jim. He's not close to confessing to anything (yet...) but it'll probably be alot like that when/if I get to that part of the fic. I'm glad I'm portraying him well, since he's so fun to write for.

Hahahaha!!! I'm imagining Jim and Dwight standing up at the altar at their kids' wedding. Jim completely bald from stress. Love it.

Typically, I find that the Pam/Karen lesbian stories have Karen being more of the aggressor and Pam being quite shy, but I appreciate your taking a different tack.

I really like this. I think you're doing a fine job with the characters. We saw Pam have some freakouts during her pregnancy with Cece, and I can imagine especially at the beginning of this next one, she'd need some time to adjust.

The other thing to remember is that on the show, Jim and Pam are among others and are being watched. Parts of this chapter reminded me a lot of my fella. We don't have kids, but we let each other in at our weakest moments the way neither of us does with anyone else.

The perspective of Pam's morning sickness through Jim's eyes is really interesting and heartwrenching. It's worse to watch someone you love hurt than it is to hurt yourself.

And I love the details. Cece trying to eat her foot is delightful.

Author's Response: Thank you! :) Since this is my first Office fic, I'm still not sure whether I'm writing the characters in a believable way, so it's always nice to hear that I'm doing an okay job. And I'm glad you liked the details! I wanted to make sure Cece had enough of a presence in this chapter.

I would have pretty much paid to have seen this go down on screen. So sweet! I love the risks they both took. And go Maggie.

Author's Response: Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked Maggie. I wasn't quite sure I got her right.

Great to see you back! I love the descriptions and it's a nice combination of angst and romance. And happy birthday to Jim indeed.

Author's Response: Angst and romance is my very favorite combination. Glad you enjoyed it, andtheivy! Thanks for taking the time to read amid the deluge of new fic!

Haha! I didn't think of that at all. I was expecting some explanation of what Pam misheard. Very clever!

Author's Response: Why thank you! I wasn't trying to be too tricky but I do love twist endings. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.

Wow, you really, really like to keep us on the edge of our seats, don't you?
The detail is really impressive here. What kind of research did you do? I loved the Cece rolling over scene, so intimate and adorable. Looking forward to seeing what the epilogue brings.