Great personification. Love the story.
Not sure if "Rusty" needs to see the air again. That looks like an accident waiting to happen.
I forgot to respond directly to the title of your post, i. e., What would you do.?”Not sure if "Rusty" needs to see the air again. That looks like an accident waiting to happen.
Well "Phantom" and "Rusty" can both sit in the window looking out wishing they could go outside and play again, but alas - that's not happening.
Great story and someone finding "Phantom" so deep.