Author's Note: I haven't been able to fully process the finale yet, so no scenes inspired by that yet. Instead, you get something quite different. The inspiration for this came while I was listening through Keane's newest album, Strangeland, which is often my background music for writing Fringe fanfic. A lot of the songs triggered ideas, so I decided to write a series of 100-word drabbles, inspired by specific lyrics from the songs off the album (hence the title for this piece), and spanning all seasons of the show. This is my first attempt at writing drabbles, so feedback is welcomed. I'd also like to encourage everyone to go give the album a listen - it's good music.

First drabble is set during 5x04, from Olivia's perspective.

Disclaimer: I am merely borrowing the characters and their stories - they do not belong to me. All song lyrics are by Keane.


Doors will close, no time to start again
Nothing is given
Except the ties that hold us together
- You Are Young


The sound of a single gunshot echoes through the warehouse, and in that instant, she knows she waited too long.

Love is not easy for her, and her fear kept her from opening up to Etta, held her back until it was too late. But now, as her daughter lies dying, as her worst nightmares are realized, the barriers are gone. She is going to lose her, just as she always knew she would; the worst has happened, so there is nothing to fear anymore.

And she is finally able to unreservedly love her daughter, here in her last moments.