I just found this while looking for short one shot pieces and it is beautifully written and so poignant. It really covered all the moments that mattered and that Buffy should have considered and remembered throughout the following seasons - I loved this, it made me smile but feel so sad at the same time, that is why I feel it is a great piece of writing. Thanks for sharing.
AMAZING! I love the clever way you approach writing this--short vignettes that all start with the same four words. And I'm really impressed with the insights you have for each of those incidents. The story may be short, but it is going to take me a long, long time to think through all your ideas because you point out things I'd never thought of before. For example, you mention how the events that went before, helped make Buffy more vulnerable when she heard the bad news about her mom. Good point!
This was a really thoughtful trip through season 5. Is there any chance you'll do the same thing for seasons 6 and 7? I'd love to read those!