It felt almost unreal. For the first time in years, something resembling a plan was forming. He could picture himself walking into that laundromat with clean clothes, handing over a form, maybe even shaking someone’s hand. The hope caught him off guard.
But just as quickly, it vanished. “No dogs allowed,” the woman added, apologetically. “It’s policy. You’d have to leave your pet outside, or with someone else. I’m sorry.” Her tone was kind, but firm.
The words hit hard. No dogs. No exceptions. He had been seconds away from something solid—something that could change the course of his life. And now, it slipped through his fingers, because the one being who had never left his side wasn’t welcome. The rules weren’t up for debate, and Joshua understood that.
He looked down at Lucky, resting at his feet, eyes half-closed, trusting. Joshua stood still, unsure what to do. The answer was clear, but it didn’t feel fair. He left the shelter quietly. If Lucky wasn’t welcome, neither was he. That much hadn’t changed.
Joshua felt disappointed, but he knew sitting with that feeling wouldn’t change anything. If the city’s cleanup plan rolled out fully, he’d lose the few safe corners he had left. And if that happened, he’d lose Lucky too. He had to act. Fast.
He cleaned up at the gas station restroom again, following the same routine. Soap from a near-empty dispenser. Splashing water on his face. Scrubbing his arms and neck with tissues. His reflection was blurry, but clearer than usual. Damp hair. Tired eyes. He still looked rough, but at least he looked awake.
Outside, he passed a bakery bin and spotted a half-eaten croissant on top of the trash pile. No mold. Still warm inside. He broke it in half and ate slowly, making it last. Lucky watched, tail wagging once. Joshua handed over the other half without hesitation.
A block away, outside a small church, he noticed a donation box marked “PLEASE DONATE USED CLEAN CLOTHES.” He peered in. Beneath an oversized coat was a folded pair of brown pants and a plain button-down shirt—clean, decent, nothing flashy. He grabbed them like they were gold.