Ok, I just wanted to say:
I'M NOT DEAD.
I'm writing my master's dissertation which could cause me to be brain dead by the time I finish, but I am pretty much alive and kicking right now. The only thing is that I am so overloaded that I haven't really had time to update in ages, as you know.
I have not given up on the story, I am just trying to get stuff done.
As soon as I get my dissertation out of the way (or make a very significant progress, at least), I'll go on.
Stay tuned!
Best for all