The Price of the Lost
(Part 2)
Morning had arrived. Billy, drenched from the rain, slowly opened his eyes under the warm rays of the sun. Shivering, he stepped out of the cardboard box and continued wandering the streets of Paris.
Soon, he spotted some people and, filled with hope, approached them, rubbing against their legs while letting out soft meows, longing for a bit of affection or food.
But his hopes were quickly shattered. Instead of kindness, he was met with cold indifference. Some people even kicked and shoved him away. Heartbroken and starving, Billy ran away in fear.
As he dashed through the streets, a mouthwatering scent suddenly caught his nose—sausages! His hunger intensified, and he followed the smell to a butcher's shop, where various sausages hung in neat rows.
Billy meowed, hoping for a kind gesture from the shopkeeper. But instead of kindness, the man grabbed a large knife and lunged at him in anger. Billy barely managed to escape, sprinting away with all the strength he had left.
Exhausted, terrified, and starving, he wandered through the streets aimlessly. And then, just when he thought all hope was lost, a beggar boy appeared before him.
The boy, noticing Billy's pitiful state, reached out with a small piece of stale bread and said softly,
"Here, little one. Come to me, I'll feed you."
Billy hesitated at first but, driven by hunger, cautiously approached the boy and ate the offered bread. Once he finished, he purred and rubbed against the boy's tattered clothes.
The boy smiled and gently picked him up, stroking his fur with warmth and care.
For four days, Billy stayed with the boy. They found comfort in each other's company, forming a bond of trust. But then, one fateful moment changed everything...
The boy happened to notice a poster on a wall. It was a missing cat notice. And there, clear as day, was Billy's picture.
Beneath it, the words read:
"Reward: €100,000 to whoever finds him."
The boy froze. Tears welled up in his eyes. He clutched Billy tightly against his chest and began to sob uncontrollably…