Thanks so much for these comforting replies, daneel, Chief Pam, Saskia, and LabRat. Your pleasure gives me much pleasure.
A special thanks to you Lab Rat, for giving the story your thought and questions. Your writing has earned my respect, and your attention is very special to me.
You have a valid complaint that the surprise ending is compromised. The simple answer is that the last sentence is not so much a surprise ending as a confirmation ending.
Simple in this case, however, is not the whole answer.
Originally, this was written when L&C were very far from being permitted any kind of union. The story is really not about who is watching, but about “union.”
