DVD Caps Graduation Day 2 
Break Down
Well! Vindication comes at last. Faith's meeting Buffy on the astral plane (an area of space-time where thought exists and people's minds meet) was so welcomed. There was no way Faith could've been left as 'the bad girl' by the end of the season. As Eliza often stated, Faith isn't a monotone bad guy. She's been hurt nearly every step of the way throughout the season. It was only natural for a teen who was so jealous and hurt to lash out. To be 'guided' by someone like the Mayor was simply Faith's 'luck'. Ignored, used and very alone, Faith was a perfect vehicle for the 'hurt turned to hate' theory.
A lot of imagery in whomever's head it is (I'm guessing Faith's) the cat (that represents Faith in the 'real' world— 'a lifetime of practice' of looking after herself) and all Faith's belongings are there also. The majority of Faith's things are packed and unseen though. Most likely things that the Mayor bought for her. She has no use for them now, hence them being boxed. The broken window, although also broken in real life, represents Faith's mind. Faith doesn't think she'll ever be OK. Which is desperately sad! "They're never gonna fix this, are they?" However, it is a question. And thankfully, time will prove Faith wrong.
While on the astral plane, Faith comes around and we see her true self. She does the right thing. Thereby vindicating all us Faith fans who knew she wasn't evil. Just scared, confused and misdirected. When it comes to the crunch Faith revealed what she knew about the Mayor to Buffy—thereby helping Buffy destroy the one person Faith cared for, but knew deep in her heart, she couldn't possibly side with when the 'end game' played.
Also of major interest, is Faith's referral to Little Miss Muffett. This is the first instance and clue
to Dawn. Faith will go on to mention 'Lil sis' to Buffy (again on the astral plane) in This Year's Girl. Telling us that both Slayers know of Dawn on some level.
It's nice that once Buffy comes back to reality, she goes to Faith and seeing her damaged body, is more than determined to beat the Mayor. I like to think that Buffy believed Faith was an 'innocent' caught up and corrupted by the Mayor. That perhaps she was thinking of the young girl she met back in Faith, Hope and Trick and was just sucked in by his charm and caring. Buffy does kiss Faith on the forehead, so it would seem that Buffy, at least, has forgiven Faith. Something, ironically, that Faith would be only too happy to receive in Angel's Sanctuary.
It's painfully obvious that the Mayor cares for Faith. We've seen that from Doppelgangland on. It really is a pity he was evil. He would've been such a brilliant father for Faith. He also showed what positive reinforcement can do for a teenager. If we can get past the fact he's evil for a second, look at how he changed Faith's life!