I have said before that your grasp of character is absolutely perfect and this chapter is a prime example. Even though their personalities have been horribly warped by their circumstances, both Edward and Thomas are so recognisably themselves : Thomas charging off without a plan to talk Edward round, Edward urging him to reach out to the others and try to make things better, the regret that they both feel at not having done enough to help the other. Thomas's private acknowledgement that over time he had started to avoid Edward so he didn't have to face up to reality was crushing , just slightly more so than Edward's admission that he had abandoned Thomas when his luck turned for the better. The 'he's changed' outburst in his exchange with Toad was just heartbreaking. (Also, having now read chapter 3, this is interesting in the light of Henry's observation that 'Pain needn't affect your mind' - presumably Henry doesn't think that the change in Edward is caused by his physical suffering?).
Speaking of Henry: "I don’t give a damn about Henry!" "No one ever has." 😭
It was interesting to note that like the others, Edward doesn't usually refer to Emily by name. Well done to Thomas for calling him out on it.
Gordon's intervention was also just perfect - I maintain that canon Gordon would be definitely capable of pontificating for four solid hours! The way that the action cut away from the sheds to spotlight the Hatt's phone conversation and then returned to the sheds where... yes, Gordon was still airing his opinion was so wonderfully constructed. I'm torn between lending weight to the significance of the line "We need a miracle" in this world where divine intervention may yet be possible and dismissing it as a carrot that you're going to dangle in front of us and then snatch away.
Thomas seeking out Toad to ask for help, even if he wasn't totally convinced about James's claims, was also absolutely Thomas-like. Toad, you truly are the best brake van on the island. The gentle, noncommittal way he handled Thomas's request was so heartwarming (and also convenient in terms of plot, leaving us readers uncertain on the guardian angel question!). But oh, the desperation of "tell me where the brakevan is that's supposed to be protecting Edward, and I'll go fetch that one" ! The angst levels here are off the scale, but so essential to giving us an insight into Thomas's smokebox. Thomas's concern for Henry was also a beautiful touch, reinforcing Edward's assertion that he is stronger and cleverer than he realises.
A belated thank you for making me aware of both the IaSL and Impossible Things fanart! If you have any contact with either of the artists, please pass on my appreciation to them. The IaSL illustrations in particular are just perfect (poor Duck, that was exactly how I pictured his expression when I wrote it!)
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FutureRust on Chapter 2 Wed 15 May 2024 09:43PM UTC
Last Edited Wed 15 May 2024 09:45PM UTC
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