I think you underestimate your power as a writer. Even though Lulu's declaration at the end is indeed pessimistic, she is and always will be a pessimist at heart. I don't see it as a denial of life necessarily. One can accept that life is full of misfortune and still go on living it anyway. I think that this is balanced between a complete rejection of life and a simple admission that life is difficult and that death can be a kind of release from cares.

I like the way that Lulu worries about decorum even when she's going to see the man she loved.

I really enjoy the fact that Lulu feels and sees the difference between the true Auron and this copy.

I really enjoyed this. I am sorry I didn't find it sooner, but today has been rather busy. :)