Months slipped by, and Orion grew into a lean, agile cat with smoky-gray fur. Eliza cherished how he’d meet her at the door each evening, tail held high. Their little routine brought her comfort in a town where she knew few people and missed family far away.
One stormy afternoon, Eliza arrived home late from the office. She kicked off her soggy shoes in the foyer and called Orion’s name, expecting to hear that familiar patter of paws and soft meow. Silence. Her heart lurched. Normally, Orion would run to greet her with his tail held high. Now, the house felt void of its usual warmth.