Haunting. Gorgeously written. The author is not afraid to let us fill in the blanks for ourselves.

Maybe it's just my own optimistic filter on things, but I see this ending on a hopeful note. Scully teeters on the edge of despair for the entirety of her journey, shouldering the aftermath of her decision alone. She wants to succumb, but forces herself instead to reach Mulder. She has to know on some level that he will not let her go, and that they'll be able to share the burden of grief together.