Howdy. I've heard so much about you from tangleofthorns that I had to come take a peek at your journal. And of course I had to read this. And I'm glad I did, because it's lovely. I'd like to make intelligent comments, but it's too late at night. So I'll just say that I love it when someone can get across a lot in a few words, and you did so here. I really like the asides (historical and philosophical) breaking up the main blocks of the story. And I like it when a writer can convincingly capture known characters, which you certainly did. Totally believable for both of them. Nice. Thanks.