Continuity: Anytime between the end of Season Four and Business Trip (Season Five's 7th episode.)
She wakes up from a horrible nightmare. Sitting on the bed, she runs a hand through her messy reddish curls and tries to sooth herself.
Calm down, Pam. It wasn't real.
It is then – just as she's starting to feel a little better – when she notices the empty, cold space on the other side of the bed, which leads her to remember where she is and why.
Oh, right. He's not here.
Just like every morning, as the ache of distance pierces right through her soul, she holds tears back and tells herself not to be stupid, because after all, she's there voluntarily, learning about art, her passion and dearest dream since she can remember.
Does he miss me this much?
She wonders – just like every morning – if pursuing her dream is always going to hurt this much, and whether or not the price she's paying is a little too high. The answer is obvious to her. As long as they're not together, the ache will be with her permanently, no matter how hard she tries to leave it behind.
Imagining his reaction to her mini-breakdown is the only thing that she can't think of in order to smile a little bit. She can almost see him making one of his faces.
"Come on, Beesly. I miss you too. I love you. Don't give up. Plus, think of this as an improvement of your artistic skills. I mean, aren't all artists somehow tormented?"
It's not that it keeps her from missing him, but it helps.