The restrained heartbreak of this piece is absolutely lovely. It is exquisitely written, and strikingly accurate in the insight and observation. I loved how in retreat Eleven and River were pictured, as if to allow Amy and Rory space to grief, which they did not get into the show. The treatment in short scenes, with only two characters interacting at once, conveys an atmosphere perfect for confidence and hushed words, encouraged by squeezed hands. Lovely.
I really, really appreciated River's uneasiness around her paretns; she loves them obviously, it remains hard: His hand does the journey and closes around hers. They both pretend the moment is natural as he squeezes and she carefully squeezes back. This was truly heart-shattering but thank you for including such lines. Complicated and tragic relationship, the Ponds; no easy answer in fragmented parts, not whole yet, a noisy clutter could well apply to all of them. There are really powerful silences and gestures in this work. I love how they all go back to Mels and their childhood, because it really is all about belonging.
All that, so beautifully written. There are so many passages I could quote.

Favourite line: Rory holds people together like gentle gravity. I might have screamed internally reading this. Because this is achingly true and beautifully expressed.

And Time in reverse doesn't offer pre-built relationships, just delivers their precarious frame, the shifting ground on which to find and hold a balance, clinging by fingertips. Perfect. Just. *flaps the air* It's the sound of me flailing at the perfection of this sentence.

Fantastic work!