I am so glad you enjoyed the story and like my style. Your comments have really warmed my heart and given me an encouragement boost - these are the things I fret about. I wanted to do a heavier IF that wouldn't leave readers bereft at the same time - life is hard enough! I am hoping that those connections with the characters will carry both the reader and the MC through those difficult moments as we progress.
Thank you also for your condolences. Shadow was a one of a kind kitty, and sometimes I wondered if he was a little angry wizard trapped in a cat's body, lol. It seemed fitting that he travel my imaginary little world with an equally odd merchant for company. ^_^