Very touching. I agree that Clark's grief was given short shrift on the show (due to time constraints, I'm sure), but you've done a masterful job of letting us know just how shredded his entire being was by Lois's (supposed) death. At his point, he'd probably be in the first stage (denial) and by visiting Lois's apartment, he's trying to come to grips with the reality of her permanent absence from his life. And it helps make his easy agreement to step into the cage more realistic. He's just discovered that Lois isn't really dead, so there's not much he wouldn't do to keep her that way.
I'm glad Lois wasn't really dead, too. Writing a story where Lois really dies isn't for the faint of heart, nor for those without some armor plating (take it from one who knows first-hand).
Brava! Very well done. You managed to touch my heart and make me feel Clark's pain. Thank you for such a wonderful vignette.
