This was interesting and very well-written. As I neared the end of the first section, I thought, "Hmmmm, Michael isn't a person."

I guess my realization was partly because he was abandoned, but also because of his "thoughts." Most humans would be overcome by panic, but this creature was simply feeling alone "as panic set in." So I figured it was either a domesticated animal or a very stoic human.

And that's all owing to the excellent writing. Write on.