That was depressing and believable. I can't help but wonder where Zim went, exactly, since I can't really think of anywhere for him to go, but I'm not going to ask you to continue. The best stories leave room for the imagination to roam.

Your story here was heartbreaking... in the very coldest way. You're good at that, aren't you?

Oddly enough, it reminds me of New Moon, how Bella was after Edward left. Strange that out of everything I could think of right now, that was the comparison that came to mind.

At least Dib isn't throwing his arms across his chest in an attempt to keep himself together.

That was not meant to be taken as a ZADR-loving comment.

For a moment there, at the end, I was scared this was going to be another suicidal Fic. I don't think those fit Dib- he's a fighting spirit, and he will always bear his pain in silence, always maintaining the hope things will get better. You seem to understand that side of Dib very well.

Lovely job.

Great story. I just love the fact this goes more into Dib's feelings and how he changed when Zim was gone. I love these types of stories.

Ww Dib really grew up in a way I didnt expect!

Invader Johnny Signing Off.

This is a very nice realistic introspective on all of Dib's relationships. When Zim left he just gave up on everyone else...not that I can blame him. :( I wish I could think of something more intelligent to say but I'm pretty tired.

I'll admit, I'm vaguely confused. But still, what an impressive fic. It's great, it is. Very nice.

I can only wonder how much of yourself you put into this, because I can sure see bits of myself here.

Very accurate assessment of Dib's situation. It even comes out and explains WHY family is important... because they are the people who will still remember us after no one else can.

While I don't believe in z dder any more than you do, it is true that if Zim left, Dib wouldn't have much left to focus on. It's like pushing against a locked door with all your might; if the door were to suddenly burst open you'd fall on your face. (And at least the two of us know it wouldn't mean anything about "love" for the door, or any such. )

This is pretty darn bleak all the way through (he even gives up on Darkbootie, the one canon ally he does have) but it is downright refreshing how you describe Gaz, wasting her love on someone who doesn't deserve it and taking out her frustration on the wrong person. In this fic at least, no deluded insistence that it represents any species of "sister, " blessedly none of this deranged "logic:" "liekomg but yu can sse she luvvs him! she paiz somuch atennsion to him, punch punch kikk hitt slamm1! there, tahts all teh proovz yu nedd!1!"

The ambiguity at the end has to be intentional. Whatever Dib is deciding to do, he puts the decision off until tomorrow. (I'd bet one procrastination follows another.) This isn't about the exam; he's trying to get up the motivation to call Darkbootie, right?

It takes one to know one, and I can tell: This is REAL.