Lisa clutched Nina tighter, her voice rising. “Has anyone seen him? Did anyone see Caleb come out?” A few neighbors shook their heads. No one had. Kevin dashed for his coat and phone. “I’m calling for help. Stay here.”
Lisa turned back to the forest, chest tightening, ears ringing with the sound of her own heartbeat. Her eyes stung. She should’ve waited. She should’ve turned around. She should’ve checked.
Then—crashing branches. A thud. Caleb tumbled down the slope, mud streaked across his jacket, one sleeve ripped. He groaned, rolled onto his back, and raised a hand. “I’m okay.”
Lisa stumbled forward, tears streaming. “You’re insane,” she muttered, dropping to her knees beside him. He winced. “You ran like hell. Figured I should do the same.”
That night, Lisa stood at the kitchen sink, watching Nina bat at a string toy perched on the windowsill. The kitten’s movements were slower now, more cautious. But she was home. Behind her, the porch door creaked. Caleb stepped in, arm freshly bandaged, jacket slung over one shoulder.
“Trail cams go up tomorrow,” he said. “I sent the coordinates to the wildlife team. They’ll monitor the area—maybe relocate her if they can. But at least the town’s aware now.” Lisa nodded, eyes never leaving Nina. “She wasn’t trying to hurt them.”
“No,” Caleb agreed. “But she could’ve. And next time, it might not end like this.”
Lisa turned to him. “Thank you.” He offered a tired smile. “You did the hard part.”
“No,” she shook her head. “I ran. You stayed.” They didn’t speak again.
Nina climbed into her lap, purring softly, curling into a perfect spiral. Outside, the trees swayed in the dark, but Lisa didn’t look toward them. Not tonight. She had everything she needed right here. Safe. Warm. Home.