Luke could be the cause. If he made a decision without consulting Lorelai, like selling his diner or moving away. His actions would deeply hurt Lorelai as they are in a relationship. Also, Rory could be a factor. If Rory decided to follow a path that Lorelai completely disagreed with, like dropping out of college and not having a plan, it would cause Lorelai pain as she has always had high hopes for Rory's future.
The fanfic could center around Lorelai's health issues causing her pain. Maybe she discovers she has a minor illness that requires some lifestyle changes. This would not only be physically painful but also mentally challenging as she tries to adjust. It could also be that Lorelai is in pain due to feeling left out in Stars Hollow. If there are new social groups forming or events that she's not a part of, it would make her feel isolated and in emotional pain.
Luke is another possibility. His gruff nature and sometimes inability to communicate well could lead to misunderstandings and heartache for Lorelai. If he shuts her out or doesn't support her dreams, it would make her sad.
One great idea for a Lorelai Leigh Gilmore fanfic could be her adventures in a cooking competition outside of Stars Hollow. It would be interesting to see how her quick - witted and charming personality fares against tough competitors. Maybe she teams up with Sookie and they create some truly unique dishes that surprise everyone.
One possible fanfic could focus on Lorelai having a panic attack during a big event in Stars Hollow, like the annual town fair. Maybe she gets overwhelmed by all the chaos, the crowds, and the pressure of having to be 'on' all the time as a well - known local figure. The author could describe her physical symptoms like shortness of breath and a racing heart, and how the people around her, like Rory or Luke, react and try to help her through it.
Romance is a big theme too. Fans love to explore Lorelai's love life, whether it's her relationship with Luke or other potential love interests. And of course, the theme of friendship is prevalent. Lorelai's friendships with Sookie and others are often elaborated on in fanfic to show the strong female bonds in the show.
By showing her in her familiar settings but with a different mood. Like at Luke's diner. Usually, it's a place of comfort and chatter for her. But in a sad fanfic, she could be sitting alone at a booth, pushing food around on her plate, not really eating, while the diner bustles around her. The contrast between the lively diner and her still, sad figure would effectively show her state of mind.
A plot idea could be Lorelai starting her own business in Stars Hollow. Maybe a small boutique hotel that combines her love for the town and her knack for hospitality. It would be filled with her unique style and charm, and she'd have to deal with all the challenges of running a business, like getting permits and dealing with difficult customers.
In the fanfic, the car crash might be caused by some sort of distraction. Maybe Lorelai was arguing with Rory on the phone while driving. After the crash, Lorelai could be in a coma. The town of Stars Hollow then rallies around her. Emily and Richard come to the hospital, and there are a lot of emotional scenes as they wait for her to wake up. Rory feels extremely guilty and starts to make some big changes in her own life as a result.
Perhaps Lorelai has a panic attack while planning Rory's graduation party. There are so many details to take care of, from the guest list to the catering. She's also worried about making it perfect for Rory. As she has the panic attack, she might call Lane for help. Lane, having her own experience with high - stress situations, could offer some practical advice on how to handle the stress and calm down.
The main ethical issue is the non - consensual and violent nature of rape being associated with a character. It can be triggering for survivors of sexual assault and is generally in poor taste.