That night, Joshua and Lucky settled near the loading dock again. Joshua pulled his tattered coat tighter and sat with his back against the wall. Lucky curled beside him, resting his head on Joshua’s foot. Joshua looked at the sky for a long time. “I think I’ve got a shot this time,” he said softly.
Lucky just licked his face in response. Joshua reached down and stroked his back once. “Just one day,” he murmured. “Let me have one good day. I’ll figure the rest out after that.” Then he leaned back and closed his eyes, holding on to the quiet shape of hope just long enough to sleep.