Thanks so much for the thoughtful words. You know, with my proclivity to 'overdo' things, I was sorely tempted to make the first part of the story longer, and actually show the things they tried in more detail, but then I decided that that might make the reveal a harder pill to swallow, because after all, they knew all along that this wasn't just going to be 'mind over matter.' I can see how with your background, you might've wanted to step in an offer some professional help. :)
Binns and the castle were fun; again, I had to restrain myself, but I think I might seriously consider a longer companion piece to this one, something I've never done before.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for staying up to finish!