This was lovely and definitely did evoke the feeling of that painting. Nice work!

This is precisely the type of story I want to see if I read anything post-Matthew.

amazing. and I'm crying

Beautifully written. There is calm loneliness and strength in Mary in your story as I would imagine she would be.
I like your writing very much .

This made me cry. Really, really cry. You are an extraordinary writer.

The writing of this piece is exquisite. Your use of imagery and nature are astoundingly well done. And, after seeing that painting you mentioned, the whole story seems to spring right out of it.
At first I found it odd that George didn't look like Matthew, because that seemed like a very obvious route to take-that he would look like Matthew and it would be painful for Mary, but then I realized that by doing what you did, you actually did something much deeper. Mary's grief would probably be even deeper knowing that she didn't have that visual reminder of Matthew, but she is so in love with her child that it cannot possibly matter anymore.
Your characterization of Mary through very easy and simple dialogue was wonderful, but the character analysis that you did was fantastic. One of the best I've read.
You SHOULD be very proud of this work. Very, very proud.

This is one of the best fics I've ever had the pleasure to read. You write wonderfully.

This is perfect. I love it so much! Excellent job.

Really beautifully written. As a rule, I am skipping all writing that has Matthew dead but I could not resist this. Thank you- maybe one next where he is still alive?

I couldn't stop crying. I know that might not be your intended response from readers, but I'm still in mourning, I guess until season 4 begins & we see how Mary 'moves on'. I cannot imagine Mary married to someone else - and I cannot imagine Mary being anything other than the strong, loving mother you portray, as Matthew portrayed her 'the real Mary'. He had such faith in her & she in him. Thank you for a lovely read this early morning!

Just amazing, really. That is all I can say.

Perfectly beautiful

Oh I think this is one of my favorite post-CS fics

By far the best 'life-after-Matthew' fic I have read and is how I very much hope Season 4 will go, in terms of Mary's thoughts and actions. You most certainly have every right to be extremely proud of this. It is incredibly well done.

Very simply and easily beautiful, and comforting.