thank you thank you thank you! i'm so glad you liked this. i remember you in a previous fic fest telling me you've lived out west, and so it means a lot that you felt the feeling of the landscape had its own character, and that i captured it well. i've lived in washington too - it's such an easy place to write about and incredibly evocative. i agree that it's absolutely magical in itself. i think it has a presence and character on its own.
i hope it holds up upon your reread!! i also must recommend to you the del maguey chichicapa mezcal if you ever come across it - it's a little more expensive but it is my favorite mezcal i think!