As expected, dozens of arms lift in the air.

“Did you know that slavery was partially abolished in Massachusetts on July eighth, 1783, nearly a century before the Civil War? And there’s an interesting story behind it.”

There are gasps and murmurs. This is the beginning of a ninety-minute tour I am going to give around the city.

I laugh, and I take questions, and I point at the things they should take photos of and tell them which filters work best for them. But I’m not really there. My mind is with Loki. With the traitorous cat who decided to leave me.

And with Pippa, over three thousand miles away, in California, who still doesn’t understand why I disappeared one sunny day. Not long after I fell in love with Joe.

When I get back home, Nora isn’t there. She is probably spending the night at Colt’s. She’s been doing that more often than not lately. Normally, I snuggle with Loki and binge-watch whatever is trending on Netflix. But right now, there is no Loki in sight. The hollow pain in my chest reminds me I’m all alone. The phone burning a hole in my cape’s pocket reminds me that I have to be.

I power up my laptop and check my email, then Facebook. No new notifications. My heart sinks. I check Craigslist anyway, a glutton for punishment. Nothing.

I pad to the kitchen, fill a glass with tap water, and lock the front door on my way to my room. I slip under the covers and flip my phone screen down on my nightstand. I overthink myself to sleep.

Four hours later, I’m awakened by my alarm. I have a shift today, selling witchery souvenirs at a local store. It’s not ideal, working two jobs, but it’s necessary if I want to save money and do something with my life at some point. I’m not sure what that something is going to be. Actually, I’m not sure I’ll ever have the guts to pursue anything at all. But saving money toward something gives me the illusion that my life hasn’t been flushed completely down the toilet. It feels like at least I have a plan, and all I have to do is figure out which fork in the road to take once I’ve saved enough.

The first thing I do after brushing my teeth is check my laptop to see if there are any answers on Craigslist. There is one. It’s a private message. My heart flips like a fish out of water. I click on it.

DominicG: Hey. I’m pretty sure your cat is crashing on my balcony recliner.

Loki? Crashing somewhere else? Wouldn’t he be scared? Then it occurs to me this guy could be a creeper trying to lure women into his apartment.

EverlynneL: Thanks for the message. Can I see a picture, please?

I stand up to do something with my body, then go to the kitchen and make myself some coffee. I’m restless. I’m anxious. I forget to put creamer and sugar in my coffee before making my way back to the laptop in my living room.