I could really have done with another thousand words to draw the story out properly
No. What more would you have said that could have added to this? When a Christmas tree is done, it's done. When you've dressed and accessorized to perfection, why add more? You can over bake a cake, and you can over tell a story.
You said it all, and not more than that. I wouldn't leave one word off. I couldn't imagine adding a word. The story is eloquent, poignant, and yes, elegant.
I knew that man would be redeemed. It started here:
She never liked her neighbour, with his flannel shirt tucked aggressively into his work trousers.
A start like that implies change, growth.
I appreciate the care with which you chose each word in the story. Each one is a workhorse, adding to the total.
Great story writing.
Thanks so much - this means a tremendous amount and I really value your feedback. If I was to add words, I'd add a real exchange with them early on, a bit of dialogue perhaps, and accentuate her weakness and need for help, as well as her own troubled grief, to show that the two of them need each other more than they know. Two damaged, lonely souls united by a magpie.