You know, for some reason I'm thinking about J. London's White Fang. I think it's the repeated use of word "life". There was a scene at the beginning of London's book that's very similar in terms of concept: the closer you are to death, the more you appreciate the beauty of life.
Anyway, scatterbrained ramblings aside, I really, really enjoyed this story. For some reason, I found this place absolutely heartbreaking: "He lifted his eyes, searching the stars for the one that now meant the most to him." Well, good thing you chose to end the story on a happier note. :) Well done!
Author's Response: Really? I've never read (or even heard of) that book before. I'll have to check it out.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to review!