Defeated, she returned home around midmorning, ready to face another empty space. Her heart felt as heavy as the storm clouds overhead. Approaching her door, she noticed the battered doormat, darkened with rain. She recalled how Orion used to sprawl there, soaking in sunshine. Tears welled again.
Stepping into the house, Eliza shut the door behind her, setting her damp jacket on the coat rack. She let out a shaky breath—and froze. In the hallway, an unmistakable sound reached her ears: “Meow.” She spun around, nearly dropping her keys. There, emerging from the dimness, was Orion.