I agree with you on not making this two separate pieces, it has more of a flow and impact as one solid thing. It really isn't all that long either, i mean the vocab you chose made it a little bit more on the lengthy side and it also made it feel like it was a lot more than it was in actuality, but honestly i like the effect.

since i mentioned the vocabulary let me also say that the word choice here was wonderful for this piece, it really brought the theme out.

there is a lot of personality here and i really really like the way that your voice shines in this piece. well written, great job.

even though you put this in the sad section there is hope shining through as well.