I lifted the lid of the can with the rain coming down hard on my head and the filling the inside the empty can quickly. I replaced the lid and rubbed my shivering chest trying to keep warm in the cold, my long greasy black hair flowing in the light wind. I moved out of the ally and the cars on the street flashed by headlights blazing in the pouring rain.
I looked at the passing people on the sidewalk, them taking one look at my ragged cloths and dirty hair before averting their eyes and walking away. I made my way down the side walk hearing some of their muttering when a news paper came to rest on one of my legs. I looked down at it and picked it up as a couple of people looked at me.
"What is that kid doing with that paper?"
"Can he even read?"
I looked at the people before looking at the head line.

MYSTERY DUCKS SAVE GAME SPECTATORS

FROM BOMB ATTACK

I smiled and looked up at a billboard on top of a nearby building showing a team picture of the local hockey team. Carefully I folded the newspaper and continued on, ignoring people's stares. After checking my usual scavenging areas, my stomach was still roaring in hunger.
I came up dry again and again I placed my hand over my stomach as it roared again. Knowing that I had no choice my gaze turned to a restaurant with blazing lights an ally separating it from an office building. I darted toward it doing my best to keep out of sight.
I peeked down the ally and eyed the dumpster before checking that the coast was clear. Across from the dumpster was small set of stairs with a small canopy over it and a light to the side. I rounded the corner and slowly made my way toward it when I heard a creaking noise. As fast as I could I took cover next to the dumpster keeping low as I heard someone approach.
I listened as the person approached the dumpster lifted the lid and drop something inside before leaving. I closed my eyes as relief and new fresh scent drifted into my nose. I smelled somewhat burnt steak, potatoes, some kind of pasta, and the unmistakable smell of cake with frosting.
My mouth watered as I crept along the edge to the front of the dumpster and was just starting to open it when I heard a patting sound behind me. I whipped around and saw a man standing in the door frame holding a shovel, as he stared daggers at me. I kept crouched low as he walked down the stairs and he towered over me.
"I thought I told you never to come here again you little thief," he said then brought the shovel over his head.
He brought it down fast at my head and I caught it before it hit home. Before he could think of what to do next I swept his leg out from under him. He hit the ground hard and I darted out of the ally as fast as I could.
As I rounded the corner he shouted. "IF I EVER CATCH YOU AROUND HERE AGAIN YOU LITTLE THIEF I'LL CALL THE COPS!"
When I finally stopped under a canopy of a closed shop my back connected to the wall before sliding down to my bum. I held my knees close to me as I cried and shivered the sounds of the rain fall all around me.
How much more can I take I can't even remember the last time I ate and to come so close to a full stomach I thought.
An engine coming close detoured me from my thoughts and I looked up as white motorcycle came close. It stopped in front of me and the helmeted driver looked down at me. I glared up at his unseen face as he looked at me willing to fight back this time he was going to push me around.
"Awfully late to be out on your own," the rider said.
"I really don't have much of a choice," I said.
"Don't you have a home?"
I shook my head. "These days home is pretty much where ever I can find shelter for the night," I said.
The rider shifted a little. "Why? Where's your family?" he asked.
"They were killed in a car accident about a year ago," I said.
The rider looked forward then back at him. "when was the last time you ate?" he asked.
I thought for a moment. "I can't remember," I said.
He looked at me for a moment. "If you want a warm bed and a decent meal tonight get on the bike," he said.
I looked at him for a moment at first thinking he was nuts but then my stomach roared again. I then slowly stood up and walked up to him looking right into the darkened screen. The two of us looked at each other then I took a steep to the side and climbed onto the bike.
It's not like I have somewhere to be or have anything to lose I thought.
He looked at me for a moment then gunned the engine and the two of us took off.