Elsewhere is a Twiny Jam entry, i.e. 300 words or less, but the small scope means that it gets across a large amount of detail without feeling too thin. It treats its problem without sentimentality, by letting the player focus on the practical solutions; much like you'd do in the PC's situation, in fact. (I've never been in this situation, but I've been close enough that I can imagine it.)
I was particularly impressed with its use of real-time changing texts and states. That feature made it feel more like a visual medium (despite there being no images) than any other IF game I've played.