The cat down the street has been missing for 5 days. I don’t know this neighbor or this cat, but I find myself super invested in the search ever since I saw the Cat Missing poster on my walk and followed the owner’s Facebook updates in our neighborhood Facebook group.
When I walk today, I’ll search for Leo the missing tabby cat.
Because that’s what you do in a neighborhood.
If you settle into a place, the neighbor’s problems become your problems. Their missing cat becomes your missing cat.
Maybe I’ll find Leo today and return him safe and sound.