Joshua got back in line, this time at the very end. He didn’t expect a second bowl—he never had before. Shelters ran out of food fast, and seconds were almost unheard of. But he stood there anyway, hungry enough to hope, while the dog stood beside him like they belonged together.
When he reached the front again, he braced for disappointment. But without question or pause, the volunteer ladled a fresh bowl and handed it to him. Joshua stared at it for a second before taking it, the heat cutting into his cold fingers. Somehow, there was still food left.