deb, the original story is at fanfiction.net, and really not, ah, well, don't worry about not reading it.

I second the "not really missing anything" by not reading the original. Elena's nailed the concept much, much better.

Elena writing somewhat sympathetic Willow. It is an amazement.

Elena, maybe just a touch of grim-lipped trembly Xander in the night, hunting for just the right length, refusing to not be able to find them?

I don't like Willow. I think I understand her. There were so many things about the burial that bothered me, I just had to explain them. connie, the dress Buffy was buried in was slit up the back, it was fastened with hooks or buttons at the neck. I recall it particularily because it indicated, to me, a professional burial. Also, the satin lining of the coffin.

Would Xander know that screws are used? Wouldn't he just assume nails?

Elena, maybe just a touch of grim-lipped trembly Xander in the night, hunting for just the right length, refusing to not be able to find them?

Oooh, interesting... But it would have to be viewed through Willow's eyes, and I'll have to rejigger the timeline...

connie, the dress Buffy was buried in was slit up the back, it was fastened with hooks or buttons at the neck

Really? Boy, you researched that.

I think Xander would not know about screws vs. nails. All the coffins he's seen have been the metal ones with hinged lids, I imagine. Willow might think of correcting him, but might be reluctant to go into Trivial Pursuit mode at such a time.

Elena's right about that dress; I remember it well, because I lusted after it -I thought it was gorgeous and yup, an open back with a single elastic/button dealy closure.

Would Xander know about screws versus nails? I think he would. He's seen an awful lot of vamps crawling out of the damned things, and presumably helped Buffy push some of the empty ones back into the ground.

I always thought vampire just clawed through the coffin and dug their way up.

Ehh, I just remember it from the episode because I had a WTF moment about how professional the burial seemed... What with the headstone and all when YOU ARE KEEPING THE DEATH A SECRET!!!

Sorry, sorry... issues..

I don't know, deb, when vamps come out of the ground they are bursting from the coffins and clawing their way out (or partially out, anyway). I'm not sure that Xander would have seen an acutal burial aside from Joyce's.

I seem to recall rather a few fights with Buffy and a few of the Scoobs, with coffin bits poking out of the earth.

But it's a small point.