Excellent story. Well written and creative storyline.

This story...where do I even start? I read it after it being recommended after a Dandelion chapter. And I’m so glad I did.

I read it over three days and so I’m reviewing at the end since it’s already complete. What a beautiful haunting story.

So many feels for this one. I loved how it was written, how their pasts and characters were revealed over time, much like they came to knew each other. Their pain was so real and their agony at living with their demons was palpable. They truly lived horrors, made mistakes but it was their desire, so stuck in their own pain that they never fathomed a way out, it was their desire to be unselfish for the other, to bring happiness to the other that finally healed them. There was such beauty and truth to that. I really don’t think that alone they would have ever found a way back. And certainly not as completely and fulfilling as they did.

When we are stuck in pain and regret and guilt and self hate, the way back is to get outside yourself. To love unselfishly, to give happiness and joy expecting nothing in return. That’s when we realize there’s more to life than just us. When you can bring love and joy to someone else that makes YOU a worthwhile person. That makes you more than the sum of all your terrible experiences; it gives you a purpose and THAT is the way back to realizing life is worth living. It’s not just about US. It’s about how we can make the world, one person at a time, a better place. I don’t think any story I’ve ever read in fanfic captured that true selflessness as well as you both did. Edward and Bella went totally outside themselves fully for the other. They equally helped each other find their lives again, their self worth. I’ve never read a story where that was in such perfect balance. Yes, they had their flaws. That’s what makes us human. But they had the ability to love for the sole purpose of giving the other a second chance. And that’s what makes us HUMAN in the best way!

Your writing was beautiful, evocative and thought provoking. It was deep and lyrical but also so real. You could feel the heat, the sweat, the refreshing dips in the water, and feel the horrors of mental illness reflected in the unseeing eyes of a doll or the horrors of death in a picture on a digital camera and hear that chocking last gasp of life. The words were simply mesmerizing.

And I loved the resolution. A do over for Edward, a rebirth of sorts. Much like how we relive our childhoods in the eyes of our children, he got to relive falling in love with his passion again. And for Bella, a true birth. From the flames of a life spent caged with someone dying slowly to the wonders of experiencing literally the entire world for the first time. Brilliant and so so satisfying!

So, it’s been a few years but I hope you’ll still read this. Thank you for sharing this life affirming story. It made me sad for so much we’re missing or simply forgetting in a world gone crazy; the joys of traveling, the sacrifices our brave military give us every day and even a respect for life when it seems ugliness and hate are allowing horrors I never thought I would hear about in this country. We are truly blessed and I hope we can come together when this pandemic is over and remember we are more the same than different and violence and destruction is never the answer. Like Bella and Edward, we are all flawed but love is always the way out. Let’s hope we can love more and celebrate life in the months and years ahead!

I can’t thank you enough for this story at this time!

ok im crying fk

are you guys serious i'm never writing anything again lol
"i had a heart like a hand grenade. a head like a swarm of bees. it wasn't much, but it was something." COME ON
what i'm saying is it's incredibly good

"Maybe we were really just gardens in the end, underneath our skin where no one could see." I don't know how I've stumbled upon this fic but I have and I'm not looking back. It's incredible. So vivid. It should be published. My god.

Lovely story! Still feels like it could use a little more of a wrap up, though, to put the cherry on that HEA. Any chance of that?

This was amazing writing. Loved it.
Thank you for sharing your writing talent!

The fawn was beautifully written.

Wow

What a wonderful story. You guys are awesome together. Hope you will collaborate again.

Wow..this was an amazing read.. I could visualize it all so clearly. So artfully written..pure poetry

Wow. I’m blown away. What a fantastic read. Wow. The descriptions of the pictures- breathtaking. Beautiful writing. Massive talent.

Thank you for sharing
Knit

Sososo goood

This was one of the best, if not THE best, fanfic I've ever read.
You're both amazing. Hope you'll consider doing another collab

Awwww! Brilliant story. Made my heart break and soar all at once. Loved this E&B, broken,conquering demons and finding solace and life in each other... my kind of story. You both are amazing collaboration