But I was taken aback when no one meowed at me when I opened the door to my house, no one jumped around. His various toys and cute kitty houses were just sitting there.

Of course I fully understand what you are feeling and I am certainly with you in your feelings of grief. You've lost a friend!! But not just any friend, but a truly honest one with more personality and authenticity than any other you may have ever had.

But don't worry or be sad my friend, that at any moment you will run into another good friend of the same class and style that will make your world shine again with their effusive welcomes everyday. :)