OK, I read this ending first, because the title made it clear that THIS was the sad ending. And I 1) love Jim and Pam and only want their future to be happy and 2) just spent the last few hours reading this story through and who wants it to end sad for real? It was "fun" to read it though, just for the angstiness of it (maybe not a real word, but it could be!).

Loved the phone message Jim left, loved that he died in the hospital for medical reasons (not car accident or suicide), loved that you set it up in earlier chapters; Doctor changed antibotic because first one wasn't working, he needed the nose oxygen. (is that called something like a cannala? I've never seen the word written, so I don't know how to spell it, sorry.)

I'm glad Pam found love and married (sort of, come on, I'm and Jim and Pam fan, any other significant other is just wrong). LOVED the gun in the jello. That was really brilliant.

Great alternate ending, but thanks for giving us the happy ending too.

Author's Response: I just found your review while I was poking through some of my old stuff. Thank you so much for your comments - they made my day a lot brighter. I love getting reviews on older stuff and I really appreciate this one. Yeah, Jim and Pam belong together, but I felt compelled to write a "sad but still hopeful" ending in contrast, hoping that would make us all appreciate that it turned out okay, and stay with the theme that life is fragile and what ultimately happens is often determined by small twists of fate. Thanks again, madmen fanatic, and welcome!!

10

I loved this chapter and the previous one.

In the last chapter there was the romantic hope that she was pregnant, the sadness that "Paris" wasn't quite so tangible anymore (not that you mentioned it, but my mind inferred it), that there relationship was too new.

And then in this chapter, I thought their reactions were so realistic. The "oh shit" feeling (again, those are my words, not yours) when the test was positive. The scared out of their minds, the doubts, the love, the nervousness, the knowing they always had each other to get through this, it was great.

Now, on to Chapter 5!

10

I know pam's going to make it; she's got Carol and Abby working on her. Sigh, but no George Clooney...

Author's Response: haha this comment made my day

10

Oh man, what a roller coaster ride! I've read several of your stories today, and a common theme was how great Jim and Pam are together. In sync. Deliriously happy and very funny.

Then I read this one and their communication problems made me cry. He was so distant and I can't imagine a Jim not caressing her baby bump every night. Him giving her massages to help alleviate her stress (high blood pressure).

How sad to realize that Jim felt like a failure. He was too ashamed to hang out (is that what they're calling it these days?!?) with Pam. Yay for Pam for stepping up to the plate. And yay to YOU for ending it with awesome sex.

P.S. I liked Jim's dad too...

10

It would be so awesome if my own husband thought those things about me. :). Jim s a true romantic.

Loved the phone sex. They hardly said anything, just knew the other person was on the other end of the line doing the same thing, and that was enough for them. Strangely it was very hot! :)

10

Oh, i love this story! I'm nervous about the Jim/karen closure conversation; I hope Pam knows about it and doesn't freak out - or at least doesn't let her insecurities ruin a date or anything. Especially The Date.

i am very excited about the upcoming smut chapter, btw...

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm really happy you're enjoying. I'm actually pretty excited about that chapter as well. ;)

Gaaaah! Give Jim his pleasure, stat!

9

Please, please keep the story going! It's great.

9

I try to stick with completed stories because I don't like getting wrapped up in a story and then bam! I have to wait for another chapter to be written and then posted. *sigh*

I want to know about Jim's sad years. And Pam's apparent feelings for him (aka "THAT Jim?"). And how this story gets to be an M-rating. Is there such a thing as a smut-whore?

And what charity does Jim work for? And what does he do there? And, gosh, I can't wait for Pam to be his date at the dinner and to listen to him speak. That will be all kinds of awesome.

I wish I knew how to add a "tracking this story" or make a "story alert" for this. Guess I'll just stick it under Story Favorites and check every day for an update. E-v-e-r-y day. But no pressure, or anything. :)

Author's Response:

madmen fanatic, thank you so much!  All these questions will be answered, I promise!

9

Ack! i loved the story! (And will love the epilogue too. I know it's stupid, but I didn't choose to read your story earlier because I thought there was a major earthquake in the US and the Halperts were on the run just trying to survive. I obviously took your description literally. :) I did finally read it because I saw the huge number of comments; and that is always a good indicator the story is awesome.

I'm glad I read it. And BTW, Pam's letter to herself on the computer made me cry.

Author's Response: I'm glad you read it too, and thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it! I definitely would never write an actual earthquake world is ending story. I can't even watch a promo for them on TV lol I would have been more specific in my summary but anything I thought of would have ruined the shock of the end of the first chapter. Happy you decided to read it, and thanks again for letting me know your thoughts. Very much appreciated! =)

Ohhh I am crying! Pam said some wonderful things. Jom was hurt so bad he can't even fatheom tha Pam would ever change her mind from "I can't"...

Write, write! I need to know what happens next!