Very original, and I agree with @cyemela about the reader's engagement coming from the structure of your ending, with the countdown running.
Had she spent her time well? Had she traded wisely? A dreary existence, with little hope, exchanged for one year of comfort. And no hope.
Can I be sincere? I didn't understand whether in Calluna's prompt the year is, let's say, a sabbatical or else as you mean it a tradeoff. In any case, I found your contribution between the best ones.
Thank you! @calluna gave us freedom. She invited us to take this character wherever we wanted. That's risky, and an enjoyable exercise. I'm so glad it didn't fall flat. We can only write what we see and what we imagine. Can't really try to change that to suit someone's else's vision. This was a good exercise. Thanks for your feedback and thanks for running the contest.