Kanon Story Confusion (Mai's route)

[JesterLegacy]

So, I just finished Mai's route.....and I'm a bit confused. The questions are below :

Didn't Mai "die" in Yuiichi's arms that night? Or did she somehow manage to survive? Why did she do that to herself anyway?

Also, are these monsters a negative manifestation of her power of being wanting to see Yuiichi again or something? What is her power, exactly?

I haven't played Ayu's route, but I suppose the answers for the questions above won't lead to any spoilers for her route...?

[Life]

If I am right, Mai's 'power' is her tears. Her tears have healing properties and there is something about Mai saving herself from the verge of death through these tears I think. She stabbed herself because she didn't want to hurt her friends? Correct me if I'm wrong because that was from my understanding.

[Zalor]

If I am right, Mai's 'power' is her tears. Her tears have healing properties and there is something about Mai saving herself from the verge of death through these tears I think. She stabbed herself because she didn't want to hurt her friends? Correct me if I'm wrong because that was from my understanding.

 

Interesting interpretation. 

I never thought of Mai's physical tears as what gave her healing abilities (although it does make sense). I interpreted her healing after attempted suicide was because she finally accepted her past. She finally accepted herself. Throughout the entire story she rejected the side of her that had powers and that rejection damaged her. (She was getting hurt fighting the demons because the demons were manifestations of her subconscious that she was psychologically running away from, and physically fighting). However, when she finally accepted her powers (thanks to Yuichi), her power "Hope" healed her and gave her a second chance.

That's at least how I read things. This is easily my favorite route in Kanon because I find it to be the most open to interpretation.