Dr Blankflank!5UlZ6y6y5oCountry code: blank.gif, country type: blank, valid: No.2516326
File: 133642364872.gif (195.92 KB, 750x422, Lurking_Twilight.gif)

Totally failed this challenge. Then again, I wanted to fail. I like a good Bawww story.
I think, if I had to put a finger on it, the sadness is not a base reaction to the spectre of death. I have been lurking through the entire thread (thanks for the archive, mods!), and most negative reactions decry the "all my friends are dead, boo hoo!" tone of the piece.
That is not how the story affected me, at least, not at it's strongest.
The thought that the five friends had been given life eternal only to choose to die anyway is bittersweet. Death is first recognized as our adversary; something to struggle against at all cost. Later, we develop an understanding that death is inevitable, and no amount of wishing will make it otherwise.
It is a sublime and beautiful thing to see one reach the point where death is welcomed. I hope to face mine with such courage. (Not right now, please) I resonated most strongly (and, yes, tearfully) with this piece because the death they faced was one that they had chosen. A final adventure. In the arms of a close friend or lover, should you prefer the ship . Under the leaves of a great old oak tree, surrounded by the natural garden you worked so hard to make perfect. It is made all the more moving, and beautiful beautiful beautiful, because we rarely get the chance to choose for ourselves.
ONE THOUSAND INTERNETS and a pony parade for the author!
TOOT! TOOT! TOOT! TOOT! TOOT! TOOT! TOOT! TOOT!