Just a "quick" (needed to amend by the time I finished ;)) comment since I may (probably am) considered one of the critics of this story.
LauraVB, it appears that you have deleted you May 12 posting discussing your plot, characters, expectations and reasons for ending the story so I'm relying on memory (questionable) for my response. If I understood the gist of your comments this story was largely cathartic and secondly meant to be entertaining as well as carrying an introspective/moral message for the reader. Not a writer myself I have to rely on what I have seen others describe as their rationale for writing, mainly that it is for their own enjoyment as well as the readers' pleasure.
This is a great story, if a little dark for my tastes, but then you shouldn't be trying to please any individual reader and regardless of any previous comments or criticisms, I did enjoy it. Most importantly, however, based on your comments your writings were very cathartic for you and that should be motivation enough for you to see the story through. I would think stopping the story now would be like ending therapy just prior to a breakthrough. I could be wrong; if so, my apologies. I or others may continue to post positive or negative comments but that's just because we're invested in your work and feel an urge to let you know we hear you, for better or for worse.
I look forward to seeing the story through to the end and will enjoy your excellent writing talents. Whether we "get" the story or not, you get it and you need to see it through. Thanks again for your work.