Her frantic calls drew the attention of neighbors. A few opened their doors, holding umbrellas or lanterns. One older woman in a pink bathrobe asked, “Did you lose a pet, dear?” Eliza nodded, breathless. “My cat—gray with green eyes—his name is Orion. Have you seen him?” The woman shook her head sympathetically. “Haven’t seen any cats tonight, but I’ll keep an eye out.”
Eliza pressed onward, turning corners and pausing at hedges, hoping to glimpse a flash of gray fur. Lightning briefly illuminated the sky, revealing empty streets slick with rain. She found only drenched pavement, the wind swirling dead leaves around her feet. Her calls went unanswered.