I love the languid and rich feel of this story. It's so satisfying to read.

The thing that sounds out for me is Sheppard's "No" when McKay reached out to put out the candle. That's him. He's a man of few words and someone refuses to give up hope. I love what was said and not said in that scene.

And hee! Rodney's nightmare about rubber ducks chasing him is too funny.