My new friend Max

Hello to everyone in the community.
I live near a forest. I know that there are many wild animals in it. I've seen wild goats come right into my yard many times. In fact, it is very good that they are not afraid of people.
In the morning I go to work at 6:30. Here, the sunrises are very late, so it's still full night at this time. It is very dark in the neighbourhood. I get there with my neighbours. This morning I was waiting for them in the usual place. I heard some movements in the bushes nearby. I got the impression that something alive was actively breaking branches. I was a little scared, because I immediately imagined a wolf or some other predator out for a morning hunt.
After moving a little further, I took the plunge and shone my flashlights. Imagine my surprise when I saw that it was a cat. I immediately felt relieved. A furry handsome man of beautiful grey colour was actively looking for something between the branches and making so much noise that it seemed like a bear was making its way 😅.
So my car drove up and I went to work. A normal day, normal work. I forgot about the morning's adventure. But when I got home, I saw my morning prankster. He was resting peacefully between the bushes.
I realised that the cat's name is Max. He is the pet of my neighbours, with whom I go to work every day. It turned out that they had been looking for him all morning. Max had quietly slipped out of the house. The owners almost missed work because they were looking for their pet.
Max had a great time outside. He lazily looked up at his owners and reluctantly went home. It seemed that he had spent the day outside his usual home in complete peace. Moreover, he was happy about it.
I didn't miss the opportunity to pet the handsome boy. He loves to have his neck scratched. He purrs in response to such affection.
This is my new friend. I think Max and I will be friends now.