This is simplying outstanding - a fine piece of work - a wonderful tribute to Spike and all the love he feels and her sacrifice for Dawn and her duty. A beautiful and extremely effective connection of all the elements -

How sad this was. good job.

Wow, it brought tears to my eyes. Very touching.

Very touching, Nia. It's hard to imagine how Spike was able to keep going after Buffy was gone. Maybe his love pulled her back as much as that stupid Willow spell.

We haven't forgotten the ones we lost on that terrible day. Our prayers are with you, who got stuck behind.

excellent

you made me cry...

wench

LMAO

bittersweet.
hey, are you the same Niamh that wrote 'for the honour of the mother' (or something like that)!

Beautiful, Nia - simply beautiful. *hugs to you* *lighting a candle for those you lost*

You captured Spike's pain and guilt perfectly. The beauty of his ritual, and the meaning behind the things he did were expressed so well, and the fact that he felt that his prayers for her didn't count because of who he was, and he did them anyway adds a whole extra layer to the specialness of them.

Wonderfully moving and appropriate. I can see Spike doing some ritual like this for his lost love.

I also like your ritual for those lost on 9/11. They should not be forgotten no matter the politics after the fact. It matters as DO those gone.

Kathleen

excellent read, luv. thank you

Wow, very moving and heartfelt. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that we never come to a day when people think on that horrible day in an offhanded way. It sickens me sometimes when people try to turn that disasterous event into almost something that isn't real. It happened, and it was horrible. So many people lost their lives, and so many more people's lives were changed forever. People try to ignore what happened, but I hope that they will never be able to forget. For if we forget, then we are dishonoring all those who gave their lives willingly or who lost their lives as a result of the tragedy.

You used a fine inspiration to write this piece. I look forward to the other chapters you write for it.

Heartbreakingly lovely, Nia.

Stunningly sad and beautiful.  I could picture the whole thing as if it were playing out in front of me. *sniff*

this is incredibly beautiful and powerful...moving beyond words...few stories make me actually cry, but this one did... i am absolutely in awe. Amazing.

Your words always have a way to touch something in me, they always make me think, make me reflect, make me react. Once again, I am humbled by the way you can write pain...we all feel it in one way or another but it's a precious gift to be able to express it like you do. thank you

Beautifully done - I'm moved.

Weeping here.