As he turned to leave, a woman sweeping near the church doorway called out, “Got what you were looking for” Joshua hesitated, then said, “Yeah, I’ve got a job interview.” She smiled, not surprised. “Oh, good luck with that!.” He nodded and thanked her twice before walking off.
He found a spot near a bus stop bench and changed quickly, folding his old clothes into his bag. He brushed his shoes with napkins again and wiped dust from his sleeves. He wasn’t polished, but he looked like someone trying—and sometimes, that was enough to change the conversation.