NOW I AM worried...

I just went up to check Teddy's food as I hadn't spied him at all this morning, which at this point is quite unusual. I had a vision in my head, one of Friday last, where he was actually lying in the open path, watching me toss a few tid bits in his direction. It was a very uplifting sight then and one I thought was bringing us closer, but then the routine needed to change for a few days. But of the utmost importance was that he DID return to eat ALL those days, up till now. His food dish is still full and untouched. I was saddened to see this as he is now like one of my own and I worry so much when I don't see him. Even though I've never even pet him, I'm still very attached-day after day of watching and hoping does that. I felt a lump swell in my throat as I bent down and found a 4"x4" clump of matted black hair. I'm sure it is Teddy's. Now it just looks like a matte that finally fell off, not like anything attacked him, but still to see the size of that matte I can only imagine what is left on his body and what discomfort he may have from being matted, flea infested, and tick infested. And then the worst overwhelming feeling over came me as I looked up his usual traveled path...what if he is lying up there some where all alone, hurt, sick, in pain, and of course fearful, but unable to do anything. It just rips my heart out to think that all that could be for him...after all he's been through. I (I'm sure we all) always hoped and prayed for a happy ending, a rescue, and we'll continue but...I didn't like that feeling. Hopefully it will go away and he will show us all once again how brave, and strong, and courageous he is by returning. I pray. I couldn't help but shed a tear though, at the possibilities...