Do you mind explaining the rake over ashes part? Don't think I've ever heard it and don't forget I'm a Swede..
Basically your M is the dead embers of the fire that once was. The fire is out so no point in using a rake to see if there are any embers still burning. The past is the past.
Peace
Me:43 Her:42 M:14 S:9 EA started 2014/03 (or there abouts) PA started 2014/05/30 BD:2014/11/05 I left 2015/10/01 I returned 2015/05/02 She left 2015/06/10 OM still on the go.