I had prepared for this trip for a whole week, but now, standing in the living room, looking at the windows - are they really closed shut? -, looking at the outlets - did I turn everything off? - and checking if I had packed my wallet, my phone and my keys, my heart was beating fast and my legs felt weak.

It‘s gonna be alright, I told myself and exhaled a long breath.

„Okay, Charlie. I‘m off now. I‘ll be back in no more than twenty-four hours.“

A noise came from the bedroom.

One last time I looked over the windows, the outlets, my wallet, my phone and my keys, delaying my leave for another thirty seconds.

There he was suddenly, sitting on the ground. Looking up at me with his big yellow eyes.

„I know, honey. But dad has to help his parents tomorrow and it‘s a long drive. I‘ll be home as soon as possible, I promise.“

I walked over to him, reached down and ran my fingers over his soft, little head. A meow. It broke my heart.

„I know, honey.“, I whispered.

He blinked at me, slowly.

„I love you too.“

I got down on my knees, gave him a kiss on the forehead. He rubbed against my cheek.

„I know, honey.“

And off I was.

I was going to be back in no more than 24 hours. He would be fine, I told myself. I had filled his bowl with enough food for two days. He had his electric water fountain and a bowl of water aswell, in case the water fountain broke, and Grandma is checking on him tomorrow at lunchtime.

I stepped outside, closed the door and turned the lock.

He will be fine, I told myself again.

He will be fine.

But will I….?