Many people offered sympathy. “I’ve got a cat, too,” said a man behind the bakery counter. “I’ll be sure to check around.” An older patron patted Eliza’s arm gently. “Don’t lose hope, dear,” she said. “Cats are clever. He might just be on an adventure.”
Despite the kind words, Eliza couldn’t shake her mounting dread. She scoured every corner of Maplewood through the drizzle, looking beneath porches, behind shrubs, even in the local park’s gazebo.