It has not been long enough for an outside male cat to be gone to "know" that he is gone forever.

We had many cats when I was young and it was not very unusual for the males to dissappear for several days every so often.

Cats have the ability to range for far distances and they also have a keen sense of being able to find their way home.

They come "home" when they are ready.

It is possible that someone else has adopted Oliver in the same way that you did 7 months ago.

If so, he has a nice new home.

If not, you should see him show up again in the next few days.

I hope he comes home to you soon.

I am sure these past few days with him gone have been very difficult, but do not give up hope.