Michi[/@ch_1] crouches low, his wide green eyes reflecting worry and longing.] Michi twitches his whiskers, scanning the unfamiliar maze of streets. His ears flick at the distant rumble of a delivery truck and the call of pigeons overhead. He stretches his paw towards a patch of fading sunlight, wishing he could follow its warmth all the way home. "Where am I? This doesn’t smell like my street at all," his soft mew blends with the city’s hum.

Michi[/@ch_1] slinks past a pair of stray dogs eyeing him warily.] The cold nips at Michi’s fur as he darts between pools of light, the city’s unfamiliar scents overwhelming. He pauses near a street vendor, eyeing a dropped piece of grilled fish, but the noise and bustle keep him moving. Hunger gnaws at his belly, but the thought of home tugs harder. "If only I could find Mrs. Lee’s bakery, I’d know which way to go," he sighs, tail drooping.

Michi[/@ch_1] finds a patch of clover where a kind old woman feeds birds from her palm.] He approaches cautiously, his stomach rumbling. The woman notices him, her eyes crinkling in a smile, and she offers a bit of bread. Gratitude fills Michi as he eats; the park feels safer, the air less harsh. "Thank you, kind human. Do you know the way to Maple Street?" he purrs softly, even though he knows she cannot understand.

Michi[/@ch_1] as he darts under a bench. The city transforms—puddles reflecting flashes of lightning, people rushing by with umbrellas.] Michi shivers, his fur damp and heavy. The storm blurs the scents he relies on, making the world feel even bigger. He steels himself, remembering the warmth of his owner’s lap and the sound of her laughter. "I can’t give up now," he mews, voice trembling but determined.

Hope flares in Michi’s chest. He follows the sound, paws splashing through puddles, his heart pounding with anticipation. The buildings begin to look familiar, and the comforting aroma of fresh bread tells him he is close.

Michi[/@ch_1] races up the steps, meowing as loud as he can.] Michi leaps into her arms, purring wildly as she hugs him close, tears of relief glistening in her eyes. The warmth of home surrounds him: the soft couch, the scent of his favorite blanket, and the gentle touch of his human. Safe at last, Michi curls up, his adventurous heart finally at peace. "I’m home," he whispers, drifting into the sweetest sleep.