RE: Neelix - Week #51 of Finish the Story
You amp up the suspense so very well, picking it up in the moment and carrying the details from the first half into this fantastic ending.
I love the focus you bring to Neelix, weaving him into the story ready for that pivotal final moment when his full relevance is revealed. You make him into a character of his own which made me so happy to see. The way you mention the cousin, and her not deserving to die not only adds to the suspense, but gives an emotional depth to the character. Then the remark about her not even having the name, a really nice subtle yet sinister line, carrying so much story-shaping implication - skilfully done!
I think what I love most here is you don't actually state it, this is written so our protagonist could have plotted this all - having taken the cat home out of long standing affection/pity after murdering Sofia, or he could have packed up her things after she died, having legitimately inherited Neelix and the remark about her surname being more of a lament of being the last one to carry the family name. You tell enough for the story to carry, whilst also leaving the same amount of uncertainty the police are there to investigate. Your final line really makes this one, tying it back to the first half so perfectly!
Another very enjoyable ending <3
It's hard to get all those things you mention and that's what I've been trying to do.
The most important part of the story is not the part that you can read, but the part that I'm not talking about and I have to give you all the necessary details so that you can deduce it clearly and without errors.
The fact that you comment on it means that in a certain way I have achieved it and I feel very happy about it, thank you.