The End of Dreams (one-shot, M, J, darkfic, PG-13)

[redwinter101]

That would be the one, Grace.

And now I have "I'm a Believer" stuck in my head...

Red

[jen]

Poignant. Powerful.

In all my readings of this beautiful fic I have focused on Mick (gee--who'd a thought), poor Mick whose heart had been shattered by losing his Beth. This time, I seemed to focus on Josef more than I had in the past and contrasted them. Mick is, living in the moment and is immersed in his pain, sharp and cutting, Josef is taking the view of one who has loved and lost many, many times in many different ways--and he is not willing to lose another friend, if he can help it.

Beautiful, Red.

[Lucy]

I guess since I am of the ilk who doesn't see Beth turning, who sees her aging and dying....this is all peaceful, sad but peaceful.

[redwinter101]

jen, that's a beautiful summary - thank you.

Lucy, I'm so torn about whether Mick would turn Beth - sometimes I think he would; sometimes I convince myself he wouldn't. Ah, the beauty of fanfic - so many scenarios...

Red

[susieb]

What a truly lovely, moving, story. Though I could pull many quotes to comment on, this sentence broke my heart.

He would leave Mick to find out for himself that every loss chipped away a piece of your soul, a piece that could never be replaced.

[redwinter101]

Thanks, Susie.

Red

[jen]

Stunning.

The loss of Beth has drawn Mick into a very unhealthy place and Josef is trying to stage an intervention. Mick is cooperating to a point. Self protection is a powerful drive, but I can only hope that Josef will not let Mick slip away.

He seems intent on that course of action here. Beth would not approve, but Mick doesn't care at this point.

There are shafts of sunlight in places, but this is dark. Very dark.

Masterfully done.

[redwinter101]

Thanks, jen. I've always thought that it's not death that's tragic - it's grief. Both Josef and Mick are going to have a difficult time dealing with his grief at losing not just Beth, but with her, all his dreams.

Red

[jmc]

I agree with Josef about every loss chipping away a part of your soul. Powerful, dark and yet hopeful read. Thank you.