```python
def is_gap(reading: int) -> bool:
    return reading == -1


def fill_gaps(readings: list) -> list:
    """Missing readings replaced by the last real one seen."""
    if not readings:
        return []
    
    filled = list(readings)
    for i in range(len(filled)):
        if is_gap(filled[i]):
            for later in filled[i + 1 :]:
                if not is_gap(later):
                    filled[i] = later
                    break
    return filled
```