You are doing absolutely fantastic with her. I cannot believe you have never had a pet. You seem like such a natural! The two of you were meant to be together.
I had a similar scare years ago with a feral I brought inside. I went in his room with his breakfast and he was not in his usual spot. I looked around and couldn't find him. A bit of panic started to set in. Logically I knew he couldn't have escaped, but I could not find him. I finally found him behind a large book case. I had blocked it with some blankets, but he pulled them out and squished himself back there.
I had a similar scare years ago with a feral I brought inside. I went in his room with his breakfast and he was not in his usual spot. I looked around and couldn't find him. A bit of panic started to set in. Logically I knew he couldn't have escaped, but I could not find him. I finally found him behind a large book case. I had blocked it with some blankets, but he pulled them out and squished himself back there.