William asking Dru for help and avoiding Buffy after his "shameful" breakdown is certainly worrisome, but you ended the chapter on a more hopeful note.

This was a bleak, heartfelt passage: " He hoped that by staying busy himself, perhaps tomorrow it wouldn't feel so strange that everything was carrying on, much as usual, just as though his life hadn't fallen apart…again. Maybe tomorrow he wouldn't feel like hiding under the covers and pleading for a timeout from life. It wasn't fair that everything around him should continue normally, the pace not slackening a beat for the lack of his mother. 'It's like she doesn't matter,' he thought sadly, 'no one notices her missing but Jenny and me. Nothing stops.' He closed his eyes." I hope William opnes up to Buffy, she's certainly willing to be a shoulder to lean on.

Author's Response: Yes, he's still mortified from the condition she saw him in, so not so much wanting to see her right now. But, of course, he will...

It's one of the oddest feelings when someone is missing from daily life and stuff just ...goes on. It doesn't feel right. That poem pretty much covers it for me.

Thanks for reviewing! :)

Very nice story. Please continue!

Author's Response: Thanks! If I get a chance to write today, I should have another chapter up soon. Thanks for leaving a review!

Glad William noticed that Buffy noticed he was gone. That sounds crazy, but you know what I mean. Love that poem; I remember bawling my eyes out when John Hannah recited it in Four Weddings. Can't wait for your next installment.

Author's Response: I know what you mean. Oh yeah, that was so sad in Four Weddings.

I love the poem too. Thanks for leaving a review, I appreciate it :)

The joys of WIPs... when I read the Spike/other warnings I always fear the worst to happen. *sigh* (sorry, I'm in a not so good mood)
William was lucky when he was buying flowers. Anne liked them but he has to go back to school anyway ;-) Yeah, the hospital bills will be big, extra money wouldn't be bad.
Seems at the moment William will do his best to avoid Buffy. (Even he cherished the thought that she missed her.) That's an haunting poem. I've read it before because somebody posted it as a reminder that a friend had died.

Author's Response: I know how you hate Spike/Other and I'm sorry. No problem, if that's not what you like to read, I totally understand. I think I put it in the beginning warnings, I'll have to double check. Anyway, if you do continue reading, don't lose hope for spuffy :) I hope something cheers you up soon. (see Ratatouille when it comes out near you, that'll do it! Fantastic movie.) Quick, read some fluff! That helps sometimes!

Yes, it's an incredibly haunting poem. Thanks for reviewing, even if you don't like recent developments.

Poor William. That boy is going through so much. With losing his father and now his mother being sick. It doesn't look well for his mother. I hope she gets better but something tells me you are going to make that a sad ending for William and his mother. Spending his little money on flowers for his mother was so sweet.

Calling Dru and asking for a job was a good idea. William is the type of guy who has to do something. And if money is tight he knows he has to work. Dru is an odd one, indeed.

I like how Willow was asking Buffy why she cared so much about William. It was like Willow wanting to see was Buffy intentions were for William. Willow looking out for William. Love it.

I hope William talks to Buffy soon. Cause I don't want Buffy to think that William doesn't want to talk to her.

it was perfect. I just got on this site and look I saw this story on top. One of my favorites. I usually don't leave such long reviews with other stories but I can't help it with this one. Keep up the wonderful work.

Author's Response: Well, I love your long reviews! It's especially fun to see the same people reading each chapter and to find out what they think.

William is resourceful and yes, he needs to be doing something.

Willow is still a little confused at Buffy's interest, yes.

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it and flattered you consider it a favorite. I'll keep writing!

Author's Response: PS: I have my baby on my lap and am trying to keep him from adding his comments while typing one handed, so pardon the relative brevity!