I really like this. The tone and the voice reminds me a lot of a piece by Neil Gamon, called Chivalry.

Oh, very nice. I love your descriptions and the sense of hopelessness and yet her calm acceptance of that hopelessness.

Great twist that is begging for a sequel.

I, of course, meant Neil Gaiman. sigh

I loved how you turned a bleak outlook into somewhat of a mystery!

I see the Neil Gaiman link…

Anyway, very good, you’ve created a good, but sad character with lots of opportunity… For cheering up? MH :)