Yes; after having the main relationship go up in such spectacular flames, I faced a new challenge in saving everyone's characterizations and having the story move forward in (hopefully) not a predictable manner.

The use of the five stages of grief was not my original intention, but I thought it fit nicely, and would allow me the berth to have a lot of time pass within one chapter. I'm glad it worked for you =)

I remember turning in my bound thesis and the defense. It was almost an anticlimax. After 5 years we were both just glad to see it ovver

No kidding. I'm not even done and I'm ready to see the backside of this project, LOL!!