I appeared in the darkened kitchen, to the silence of my empty house. A spasm of loss washed over me, made all the worse by the forlorn and waiting silver Persian who hovered in the middle of the tile floor, one paw up, ears sideways, whiskers dragging down around his mouth.
With a low cry, I hurried forward, scooping Sassafras into my arms. Together, we settled into a chair as I wept openly into his soft fur while he mustered a faint purr in response through his own hurt.
"Everyone's gone," he whispered into my hair. "I came home and no one was here."
How had my life gotten screwed up so badly? To the point even my demon cat was a wretched, emotional wreck?
"I'm sorry." I choked on the words, released my grip on him so he could settle in my lap. He looked up at me, amber eyes glowing.