The Fabric of the Cosmos

I know what you mean about death fics. I admit I've read a few ones that are really, really good. And while they make me cry like a Banshee, they're so good that it's kind of worth it. But... I also hear what you say. I've come to the conclusion that I'm a hopeless optimist in that aspect. That somehow I want all the stories I read to have a happy ending because while unrealistic as that is, I can't escape this need to have the characters be happy.