Elizabeth, thank you so much for your kind words and the link to my story. I went into the archives but came up empty handed. I don't know why. But then again I am not at all computer savvy. I must be doing something wrong. In any case, I am glad to know that I wasn't imagining it.
I am still working on the ending, but at least I have some ideas now. As you know, this is a long story, so I have time to think it through. And besides, stories have a way of unfolding themselves.
Hope you are well in this troubling time.
Gaby