Oh. Oh wow. That is creepy and sad - and yet somewhat hopeful because Kaylee is there to help her. I love the way you ended it: If she can't tell Fred what was, she can always teach her what is: buckwheat pancakes for breakfast, swimming in the Storra, how to lie on your back with your eyes open, watching the clouds. After everything, that hopeful ending is wonderful.

But oh, the middle was so wonderfully creepy. I actually gasped when Fred started to talk like Illyria. The thought that Fred is keeping her memories bound and making herself live like that is so heartbreaking, and so like Fred.

This is just incredible. I really adore it. Thank you so much for writing it!