I think as writers we're our own worst critics. I really felt the delicate state of the character and the feelings of desperation and hope. The pace was perfect, the imagery was phenomenal. This story is so beautiful, you have no idea.
I've admired your writing for quite some time and it's always baffled me as to why. It's not that you're terrible or anything, it's the way you write that really appeals to me. The way you convey scenes and expand on the smallest most delicate details. I can tell a lot of what you write comes from within and it must have taken a very long time for you to find that. You see and understand things a lot better than I can, but maybe it comes with experience or age or whatever it maybe. I really enjoy seeing things clear from another point of view, it's very romantic in a way. I'm sorry if this doesn't make much sense. I just really love your writing and I wish I could put my feelings about your work into words as well as you do.
I really hope you continue with this, it actually reminds me of a male version of myself. The preface was just so simply yet elegantly written... I can't even elaborate how much I love this piece so far.