She gasped, eyes filling with tears. Orion regarded her calmly, his green eyes bright, tail lightly swishing. As if he hadn’t been missing at all. The sheer relief that flooded Eliza’s body left her knees weak. Without thinking, she rushed forward, scooping him into her arms. “Oh my God, Orion, where were you?” Her voice broke, equal parts relief and exasperation.
His fur was damp, and he smelled faintly of earth. He nuzzled her chin, purring softly, as though to soothe her frayed nerves. Eliza clutched him tighter, tears streaming unchecked. Days of worry, sleepless nights, and frantic searching culminated in a single wave of overwhelming gratitude.