IanG

This is a well written story with a convincing plot and likeable central character. I like the detail of them watching birds together. I'm used to dialogue in inverted commas, nonetheless I enjoyed it. Well done.

You were brave to shy away from a soppy but happy ending.

This is a plausible, evocative story. Thanks for sharing it.

Brief though it is, you evoke the scene well.

There's no shame in being anxious at a time like this, so are millions all over the world. Even adults feel like that from time to time.

I like the way you fuse the everyday with the sci-fi. Even in outer space daughters can be irritated by over-protective mothers. Her inner conflict over answering the call is believable and you wrote a good cliffhanger.

The part about the cheif and his morning coffee was funny.

Its good that you're self-critical, if you want to be a writer that's a hopeful sign. I think you improved as the piece went on.