Joshua was disappointed, but he knew sitting with that feeling wouldn’t change a thing. 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 do something. Fast.
He cleaned up at the gas station restroom again, same routine. Soap from a near-empty dispenser. Splash water on the face. Scrub 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.