Ilya

Snow was swirling over the city, covering everything around with a white shroud. You were hurrying home after work, dreaming of hot tea and a cozy evening. But right at the entrance, curled up in a ball, a small black kitten was shivering. He was tiny, skinny, and his fur was covered with frost.

Your heart sank. You couldn't pass by. Carefully picking up the kitten in your arms, you hugged him and ran home.

At home, you washed him, fed him warm milk and gave him a name – Ugolyok. Ugolyok turned out to be affectionate and grateful. He purred, rubbed against your legs and always greeted you from work with a joyful meow. You became attached to him with all your heart. He became your little furry friend who was always there.

One day, when you returned from work, you found the door to your apartment slightly ajar. Your heart began to beat anxiously. Ugol was nowhere to be seen. You ran out into the street, calling for him. And suddenly you saw him in the hands of a strange man standing under a street lamp.

Snow was falling in large flakes, illuminating their faces. The man, dressed in a dark coat, was gently stroking the cat's head. He looked at him with some strange warmth and sadness.

"Hello, baby," he said quietly, looking at Ugolko. "Long time no see."

You stood rooted to the spot, not understanding what was happening. Who was this man? And how was he connected to Ugolko?