Penname: warrior4 Real name: Eric
Member Since: May 31, 2018

Bio:

Author of the Month March 2020

I've been writing fanfiction for awhile now. Just recently discovered The Office and figured I'd try my hand at that as well.

At first I thought of having all my stories in the same universe, but then I had some AU ideas. So any stories that occur within a common universe will be in a given series.


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Reviews by warrior4
Everything by AmeliaHalpert Rated: Private [Reviews - 119] 26 New!
Summary:

Takes place inside/after The Negotiation..pretty much AU after that, but pulls in themes from Beach Games.

Lots of inspiration from Everything by Lifehouse

 

TW: violence, swearing, domestic violence…a VERY different version of what happened after Roy tried to hit Jim.  If you have been through interpersonal violence, or experience anxiety & panic, please go gently here.  

 

100% there will be good stuff as we go...hence the spicy warnings...but in the beginning, it is going to be BUMPY.

In the beginning, each chapter will switch POV, and it will most certainly be Jim/Pam POV, with minimal potential for others. Then the chapters will be longer and shared POV.

 

*Please, be gentle and kind with yourselves, if you choose to read*

Below are a few resources, but if you are a victim of DV and need resources...please hit me up on the Discord group...I am more than happy to help you with additional resources. 

National Domestic Violence Hotline ncadv.org/get-help 

 

Therapist search sites

inclusivetherapists.com/

therapyden.com/ 


Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

I own nothing outside of a bad case of creative insomnia, a caffeine addiction, a need to dissociate and relax with The Office and a passion for social work. 



Categories: Jim and Pam, Episode Related, Alternate Universe
Characters: Dwight, Helene Beesly, Jim, Karen, Pam, Roy
Genres: Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Inner Monologue
Warnings: Adult language, Explicit sexual content, Mild sexual content, Other Adult Theme, Possible Triggers, Violence/Injury
Series: None
Chapters: 58 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 199858 Read Count: 21089 ePub Downloads: 12
[Report This] Published: March 10, 2023 Updated: April 09, 2024
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed
Date: September 18, 2023 Title: Chapter 54: Chapter 54 - New News & Plans

Let Roy rot! Good that finally the screen is gone and he's seen for the monster he always had been. He can't charm his way out of it and is being held to account. Good!

You can feel the relief Pam and everyone feels when they get that news. Same later with Sam's call. A few the the last real big worries are gone and can be relegated to the past.

Big emotional move from Michael for sure. That he's asking for permission to do something and also taking responsibility for his actions is massive. He finally woke up that acting like a child all the time probably isn't the best idea. That he's an adult and needs to act like an adult. It's fine to have fun, but also well past time to leave the immaturity of youth behind him.

The other big thing I see in this chapter is hope for the future. For years it was always just survive the now. Hold onto the scraps of happiness now brings because that's all there is. Now that's they're together, the future is finally wide open. Both near and long term future. And what's more is they get to cling to it hand in hand. It's new and exciting and in reality what they always wanted. Wonderful that they get to start exploring it now.

Author's Response:

This chapter was all about HOPE... you are darn right.  And hope that is allowed to be recognized and bloom.  I was never going to saddle Pam with anything long term (other than the mental stuff to work through) but wanted that to be a very real part of what many people in her situation worry about and experience.  

Michael, oh Michael.  We saw such growth and maturity come out when he met Holly.  He swallowed his more crass comments in exchange for actual humor and genuine silliness.  I loved bringing this to this space sooner.   

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed
Date: September 27, 2023 Title: Chapter 55: Chapter 55 - Love & Trust

To think all this has happened all within the space of a few days for them. To go from the sheer panic of the last time they were in the office. Separated from each other, scared for a host of reasons, still closed off. And now there is life, laughter, joy, and love flowing in abundance.

I liked that they had time to relax first. At the apartment to get scrubbed up, then at dinner. The slow walk through at the office felt cathartic. A quiet time to process what happened and be grateful at how things have changed. Re-doing Casio Night was a nice touch as well.

Then they are finally and fully together. It's new territory for both of them so it makes sense there's some fear. But they overcome the fear by being open with each other. It's great to see. Of course it was all very sensual to read as well.

Really glad they've made it to this point. The scars of the past will still take time to heal and fade, but there's a much brighter future ready a d waiting for them.

Author's Response: I very much wanted to bring them back to exactly what we saw when season 3-4 happened.  They weren’t together and then BAM, it was like they had always been together.  My AU headcanon is that Pam was absolutely holding herself together all these months, she was making the best of it all and not complaining.  The sheer high panic was because of the attack, because now all secrets were out.  Now that everyone knows, there is nothing left to contain and so all her energy and mental space can go towards hope, life and love with Jim. 

I wanted their connection to be very sweet and sensual, not raunchy.  To have the space to show trust and support.  To show how much all their years of communication and paying attention to one another would play out in this space.  I am glad it worked well.

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed
Date: October 13, 2023 Title: Chapter 56: Chapter 56 - Morning After

The opening bit with Jim worrying so much about Pam. Yeah I get why he needs to work out some things too. Reasonable worry over someone is good. Unreasonable worry feels like it can lead to dark places that we don't want to go to. But to his credit he's doing his best to try and think about the best way to respond for both him and her. Telling himself to slow down and be patient. Despite the length of this story, it's still early in the working out of all of this and there's still a lot to learn.

Wonderful JAM banter in the car. The sausage and meatballs line had me cracking up. Lovely to see Jim and Pam being Jim and Pam like this.

I think just the fact that Gizmo is there is the big selling point for Pam. Feels like just by his wonderful canine presence he's able to keep a lot of the anxious ticks and nervousness at bay. Wonderful how animals can do that for us. Even though it was a get-to-know-you type session it feels like Pam connected well with Maureen. It very much came across that she's in a safe space which is drawing out feelings of her wanting to be an active part of therapy. Not just a person who was told, "go there, it'll be good for you." She wants to unload and process everything and it feels like she finally has the professional help to do so. Friends and family can love and support and that's a huge thing. But the formal training and guidance of a therapist, also being a neutral 3rd party, helps a lot too. Great chapter.

Author's Response:

YES!  Air high five for this chapter hitting well.  It can be hard to try and navigate the space of ‘things are good but calm waters on the surface don’t always belie what is below’

Gizmo is a blend of all the dogs I have owned and the therapy dogs I have worked with in abuse centers.  He is my love and I want to pet him myself!

Maureen is me… 100% she is going to be who I am as a therapist.  Pam is going to stick with her :) 

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed
Date: January 06, 2024 Title: Chapter 57: Chapter 57 - A First Date

So we're approaching the end of this epic. And I do mean epic story. To think it's all happened over the course of just a few days. Just wow.

Really love that Jim's idea of a date is to get Pam painting and involved with art again. The spend all this money in this time frame was a great idea. Kinda funny that he underestimated how much art supplies cost. C'mon Jim, remember the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Same goes with women too. But it opens the door for future dates and gifts as well.

Pam's recollections during the drive showed her growth really well. She has names for her feelings and experiences now which help her to make sense of it all. If you can name something, you can deal with that thing. So even though it's recalling some brutal times, those times are also still tinged with hope and I love that she's leaning into that.

Likewise that she trusts Jim so much. First with the whole date idea, and then when telling him everything she's figured out. Open honest communication really seems to be the way forward for them and it's great to see Pam leaning into that as well.

Author's Response:

Yes, I think that I have about 4 or 5 more chapters as things begin to wrap up and move toward the future.  They will be long… haha, but worth it.

As always you pick up on everything so well.  The way Jim so easily has the date idea in his head and the manner Pam is now beginning to be able to accept it.  Once the barriers of ‘everyone knows’ have dropped and she has found her voice she can start to relax into life.  

Open and honest communication are absolutely key, even when it is about difficult topics. 

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed
Date: April 10, 2024 Title: Chapter 58: Chapter 58 - A Shock to the System

Very glad I could help workshop this one out with you.

Big moment here for sure. One would think it would be an instant relief on hearing this news. However you made it seem so much more real. There are years of emotions and memories tied up in all of this. Years of mental knots that have only just started to unravel. When thinking like that it makes a lot more sense that everyone's emotions would be all over the place.

Dwight's really come a long way. However he's still Dwight. He sees a problem, knows a solution, and implements it. Giving Pam some from of tangible outlet seemed just like the thing to do right then. She was about to burst and he gave her a way to let that energy out in a great way. Or at least it feels like it.

Then the ranks close in once more. Really glad to see that everyone is still ready and waiting for her. I get why she'd be terse with Roy's mom. She's not sure how she feels so talking to her about it all would 100% be hard.

Through it all Jim's right there. Still being with her, cracking a joke or two, getting her to laugh. Also caught the "Princess Bride" line of As you wish, in there too. Look at Jim still being a romantic.

Great job with this one.

Author's Response:

Precisely!  From the outside you would assume ‘relief’ but that is not the case for many many people and I wanted Pam to give voice to that.  To have a spiraling mix of emotions about it.  She is so very still tied to a lot of mental spaces that she is working through, but will take time to put behind her.

Dwight…. Oh, my Dwight. Always a soft spot to in me for him and his pragmatic plans.  He always had a soft spot for Pam, she was his friend.  And I believe Dwight works out a lot of frustration on the farm, so he would have put together a snippet of Angela telling him about her frustration and take. Pam where he goes.  

And, my Jim… he will of course be there with his kind and focused care.  Canon Jim wasn’t always written too well for me, but I see reasons why and we get to correct some things in our fictions!  

So very very glad you enjoyed.

Any Type of Mom Really by MrsKHalpert Rated: T [Reviews - 18] 23
Summary: Jim Halpert really loves moms
Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam, Pam
Genres: Fluff, Kids/Family
Warnings: Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 4 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1759 Read Count: 1705 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: March 11, 2023 Updated: March 11, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: March 16, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: Soccer Mom

Awww, look at Jim going all goo-goo eyed over Pam. I mean I do the same thing when my wife plays with our kids so I get it. Still it's very sweet.

Author's Response: Oh bless! 😍

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: March 16, 2023 Title: Chapter 2: Single Mom

Nice bit of self reflection here on Jim's part. He wants to be part of his family but is having a hard time figuring out where he fits. This almost feels like the night after their parking lot kiss where he doesn't go to Philly. His eyes are really open to what he's missed and it's killing him a bit. At the same time he knows what's really important so he'll be here for them from now on.

Author's Response: Yeah I think that’s exactly when this would be set, Jim finally realising what’s been going on and what he’s caused. Thanks for the review!

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: March 16, 2023 Title: Chapter 3: NASCAR Mom

Gotta love suddenly sexy moments between the two of them. Even more so when Pam seems to not really realize the effect she has on her husband. Then again, maybe she does. Still it was a lot of fun to see them playful like this.

Author's Response: I’m sure they went on to have lots of fun that day. Or at least Jim tried to!

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: March 16, 2023 Title: Chapter 4: Kevin's Mom

Even from the start he knew she's be great as a mom. Love that he could see it even early on like this. I'm sure at the time the thought that she'd be the mother of his kids seemed like a pipe dream. Later I'm sure it was a fond memory for him. Nice little stroll down memory lane for him.

Great job with this one. Tons of fun for sure.

Author's Response: Oh thank you so much! Glad you’ve enjoyed these!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Duncan Halpert by MrsKHalpert Rated: T [Reviews - 14] 18
Summary: The bad boys always play guitars. 
Categories: Alternate Universe, Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam, Pam
Genres: Fluff
Warnings: Adult language
Series: None
Chapters: 2 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 6952 Read Count: 1399 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: March 11, 2023 Updated: June 11, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: June 14, 2023 Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2

So looks like this Jim is already famous and I don't think there's any chance he's going to forget about her. It's all super cute. Jim trying to play down his fame. Them both being so smitten with each other. The reuse of canon lines. And of course a wonderful first kiss. It's all lovely. Hopefully we get more soon.

Author's Response:

I mean he could be...and yeah I don't think Pam is going anywhere!

Thanks for the lovely review, it will be back soon! 

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: March 12, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This was a lot of fun. Pam being nervous and feeling out of place. Then to be confronted by Michael at his magic loving best. All sorts of fun. Then a sort of eyes meeting across a crowded room meet-cute for Jim and Pam. Love that she's so taken from him right from the start. But as happens with Pam, she lets her fear win the first round.

However the re-meet at the coffee shop was all sorts of cute again. Jim's not letting her get away and so the fear melts too. So they get to start off together. Lots of fun moments for sure. Loved it.

Author's Response: Oh thank you so much! Glad you liked it!

Homemade Jam by MrsKHalpert Rated: K [Reviews - 8] 13
Summary: The only recipe you'll ever need
Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam, Pam
Genres: Fluff, Holiday, Oneshot
Warnings: None
Series: Cooking with JAM
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1063 Read Count: 452 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: March 31, 2023 Updated: March 31, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: March 31, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: Homemade Jam

That was great fun for sure. Loved the step by step instructions. Seems like the concoction could go awry at any point, but with most cooking, patience and love will create a beautifully ordinary masterpiece. Great fun for sure.

Author's Response: Thanks so much for the review, glad you liked it!

What It's Going To Be Like by MrsKHalpert Rated: MA [Reviews - 8] 10
Summary: Pam's always imagined what their first time would be like
Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam, Pam
Genres: Fluff, Oneshot, Steamy
Warnings: Explicit sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 2106 Read Count: 1099 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: April 01, 2023 Updated: April 01, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: April 06, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: What It's Going To Be Like

Great fun. All the build up. The thoughts raging through her mind. Tons of fun. Then the reveal. Not quite a screeching halt, but yeah unexpected. Great job with this fun flirty story.

Author's Response: Thank you so much!

Too Cool for Coley by nicemorningtoo Rated: K [Reviews - 12] 16
Summary: Michael discovers fanfiction. 
Categories: Episode Related, Present
Characters: Ensemble, Michael, Michael/Holly
Genres: Humor, Oneshot
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1334 Read Count: 418 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: April 01, 2023 Updated: April 01, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: April 06, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Michael discovering and then writing his own fics. Lord help us. This is everything and more of what would have happened here. Just 100% spot on exactly what would happen. Great job.

Objects of Desire by MrsKHalpert Rated: T [Reviews - 15] 18
Summary: It's the way you look at me, the way you hold me, the way you touch me
Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Fluff, Holiday
Warnings: Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 5 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 497 Read Count: 1380 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: April 01, 2023 Updated: April 01, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: April 06, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: The Jelly Bean Container

Oh this is just to good! Love everything about this. The double meaning is just so wickedly fun. Can't wait to read all the rest!

Author's Response: Hehe thank you so much!

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: April 06, 2023 Title: Chapter 2: Pam's Yoghurt Spoon

*takes a breath to control himself* It's a spoon warrior. She's talking about a spoon. Just a spoon.

Author's Response: It really was just a spoon. Hehe!

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed
Date: April 06, 2023 Title: Chapter 3: Jim's Can of Grape Soda

I mean, what more is there to say?

Author's Response: Umm, I’m sorry. I should probably apologise for all of these 🤣

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: April 06, 2023 Title: Chapter 4: Jim's Grilled Cheese Sandwich Maker

Are you trying to get us to just melt because of all these? Because you have succeeded.

Author's Response: Hahaha! It’s just a grilled cheese maker, no need to get so worked up haha

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: April 06, 2023 Title: Chapter 5: Pam's Paintbrush

I'm 100% sure that is EXACTLY what was going through Jim's mind the first time he saw her paint. Nothing else going through his mind in the slightest.

Great job, lots of fun with all of these.

Author's Response: Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed them!!

I Could Have Danced All Night by Receptionitis15 Rated: T [Reviews - 10] 14
Summary:

Jim asks Pam to dance at Phyllis and Bob Vance, Vance Refridgeration's wedding.

It's fluff, it's a fix-it, it's just a story.  


Categories: Jim and Pam, Episode Related
Characters: Jim/Pam, Karen
Genres: Fluff
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 4213 Read Count: 1038 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: April 13, 2023 Updated: April 13, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: April 13, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

So this is just delightful. Jim finding the courage to ask Pam to dance, Pam finding the courage to accept. Them both realizing that they belong in each other's arms. Beautiful. Yeah kind of a hard conversation with Karen, but the truth hurts. Still he owned up to his own parts in everything. It stings for Karen of course, but there's no way it wouldn't at that point.

Then Jim and Pam finally get on the same page about everything. Excellent. And then they seal everything with some cute kisses that have some steam simmering under them. I've got a feeling they'll both have a much better night going home with the right person this time around. And even getting a little Dwangela fun in there too.

Great job with this one. I loved it.

Author's Response: Thank you! It was nice to give them a chance to not hold back so much and just let them feel the feelings rather than tamp them down for once. Jim knew what he was doing so I figured when he got to that conversation he felt he owed her the honest version of things at last. I am sure they will have a far better night together... and I really enjoyed the little Dwight and Angela dance so wanted them to be the ones to bring us full circle! 

Nothing More Than That by 3vasectomies Rated: T [Reviews - 3] 3
Summary: A possible scenario post-Season 2
He told himself he wasn’t going to go to the wedding.  He does anyway.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Dwight, Helene Beesly, Isabel Poreba, Jim, Jim/Pam, Michael, Pam
Genres: Drama, Humor, Hurt/Comfort, Romance
Warnings: Adult language
Series: Possible Scenarios
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 2806 Read Count: 658 ePub Downloads: 1
[Report This] Published: April 29, 2023 Updated: April 29, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: April 30, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: Nothing More Than That

So Roy leaves Pam at the alter! That's a different take for sure. Then Jim coming back like that ready to be hurt. And a good Michael moment. Good thing Michael stopped him and had Jim get his head on right. About what I would expect from Izzy. Nice to have a friend like that in Pam's corner. A bit of a gut wrenching scene between Jim and Pam, but it ends in a decent place.

Then we find out why Roy split. Wow! Yeah you dodged a big bullet there Pam if Roy was going to run away from that responsibility. While not my favorite thing to imagine, Pam having Roy's child, at least here Jim is right there ready to step in. Glad they could get to that place in their lives for sure.

Author's Response:

Yeah, I wanted to be different.  Roy shirking responsibility like that makes sense to me, especially since he still has a lot of maturing to do before he decides to have kids; S9 Roy would have made a fine dad, S1-3 Roy would not.  Michael being there for Jim in his own very Michael way is always fun to write, along with a pissed off Izzy wanting to punch Jim in the mouth for hurting her best friend.

As for Jim and Pam, well, as easy as it would be to do the whole “I’m in love with you too” thing, I find it more realistic for Pam to still be confused about what she really wants out of life.  In a way, Jim is as well, and I’d rather them grow up a bit before they become official, like the ending suggests.  It’s best to be best friends for now, since it’s already worked for years and they still care about each other. 

Thanks for the review! 

Chairs in the breakroom don't have armrests by Yeza Rated: K [Reviews - 4] 4
Summary:

Roy was so calm when Pam exchanged her Ipod for Jim's kettle? I don't think so.

Another version of "Christmas Party" (Yes! Another one!)


Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Ensemble, Jim/Pam, Pam/Roy
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 2795 Read Count: 564 ePub Downloads: 1
[Report This] Published: May 27, 2023 Updated: May 27, 2023
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: May 27, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Wow, Roy does not come across looking good here. Basically saying he's going to steal Pam's iPod to give her the cheap kind. Then getting all sorts of bent out of shape when she traded for the teapot.

I do kind of like the fact Jim was ready to come in and intervene. It probably wouldn't have ended well, but I like seeing some courage on his part. Really good to see.

I also really liked that Pam called out Darryl. She's right. Roy was drunk on company property and it was not only allowed but encouraged by Darryl. That's a huge liability. Really good to see Pam taking control like this. Then to the bathroom to re-group and also telling others to back off a bit. She needs some space for herself and she lets them know. Good job Pam!

Really looking forward to seeing how this all turns out.

You Oughta Know by grc73 Rated: M [Reviews - 34] 31
Summary: Been sitting on this for a while. 

Set late(ish) -S3, possibly after Cocktails/The Negotiation (post Pam splitting up with Roy mk.II)

A bit steamy and a bit sweary at points. 


Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Ensemble, Isabel Poreba, Jim, Jim/Karen, Jim/Pam, Mark, Pam
Genres: Angst, Drama, Drunk Pam/Jim, Romance, Steamy
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 5 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 9981 Read Count: 3135 ePub Downloads: 3
[Report This] Published: June 02, 2023 Updated: January 03, 2024
Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: June 25, 2023 Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Kinda figured that they'd have a big moment like this. The kind of excited, buzzed, argument that ends up in them aggressively making out like that. Hey rom-com tropes exist for a reason after all.

Though now that the dam has broken, there's no going back from it. Even more than back on Casino Night, the cards are out on the table, and they can only play the hand. What happens later when the booze wears off and the reality of their situation hits will prove just as dramatic, I think. For now, though they seem to just want to simply live in the moment.

Author's Response: Thanks Warrior!  And you are absolutely right, no going back, although they may need to both go on a little detour before the happy ending.

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: June 02, 2023 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This is a really interesting look into things for sure. They're both in a fine fettle about everything. Jim feeling more than a little trapped in his relationship with Karen. Pam pissed off at how she's been treated. Add in a night of booze and yeah feels like the feelings are about to come out. Especially with them sniping at each other at the bar there. Then Pam digging in further with the song. Still it also feels like it was a bit of a dam breaking moment. All the careful actions and tiptoeing around each other they've done is gone. Jim's last line there feels like there's going to be a flood of emotions coming out of him and her. Though where will that lead them when all is said and done remains to be seen. Looking forward to more for sure.

Author's Response: Thanks Warrior! Dams are about to start breaking...

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1
Date: July 17, 2023 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3

So the first part, Jim wanting to run. Yeah, that tracks. When he gets scared he runs. At this point in his life Jim is rarely the kind of guy to stand his ground. He has his moments, like Casino Night, but when things don't pan out he runs and then lets life steamroll over him. This feels similar, but at the same time not quite the same. In large part due to what Pam says right there as he's leaving.

HUGE props to her for being so honest and trying to break through the metric butt ton of ice that is still between them. I mean a lot of it's already smashed and melting, but there's still a significant amount in the way that needs blasting away for sure.

Then it's time for Jim to get some much needed perspective. Really like the conversation he has with Mark. A no-nonsense buddy who blows right past all the bullshit because he really does care. And also probably is sick of all of Jim's sob stories. Feels like the continued kick in the ass Jim needs. But where are we off to now? Can't wait to find out.

Author's Response: I am so delighted with the response to “my” Mark - I thought from the little we saw of him at the BBQ that he could be a bit of this sort of character, they’d been friends since college and sharing a place after all. I absolutely agree that he has heard enough of Jim mooning after Pam for so long that he sees an opportunity to change it. And he may have some help…