The First part of this chapter just makes me want to give Clark a hug (or a hit on the head, haven't decided yet <g>). I feel for him - he's dead, but not really dead, and he doesn't know what to do from this point on. The impression of his feeling generally lost - he can't even stay on the farm! - is very effective. Poor Clark.
There's also the part of him that thinks he can't move on because of Lois - he loves her, feels obligated to protect her, and also - you didn't mention that, but still - if Superman left right after Clark, it would leave her even more upset. Even if she's not so happy with Superman at the moment.
The conversation with Martha is great. I can just see Lois crying over the phone - and then it occurs to her that Martha lost her son and should be grieving probably more than Lois. Martha's calm voice is probably making her feel even worse, because she's a mental wreck while Clark's mother is so calm and wise - and Lois is probably imagining Martha is suppressing the pain for her sake.
And poor Clark can't even tell his parents the whole story. He deserves a thwap for that. Which gives an even stronger effect of loneliness.
I really want to give his a hug now, even, though he's such an ultra-lunkhead.
The last part gives us some action. <g> I like it that she's looking for his body, even though she knows there's a slim chance of finding it, simply because she needs that closure (and perhaps some action to make her feel slightly less like a sack of potatoes after all the crying).
Now I want to give her a hug.
Hurry with the next part!
Better yet, hurry with the revelation! <g>
Julie
