That had never happened before. The police seemed to have added the small alley where he slept to their regular patrol, they evicted him at 2am every morning like clockwork.
Of course they knew that he would return straight away, but his disturbed sleep allowed them to tick a box on their duty sheet. Clive was philosophical about the disturbance, it wasn't as if he had work in the morning.
He glanced once more at the deserted streets, a shiver passing through him. He was used to being alone, but people were reassuring from a distance. One day he would have the courage to say "hello" and smile. Maybe. Perhaps now it was too late.
He wondered if they were all dead. He had seen them wearing masks and queueing for injections. He had been adamant that they weren't sticking stuff in his arm. That might be why he was the last man standing.
He was still hungry. He made his way down the street towards the corner, shocked when a firm hand emerged from the shadows and strong fingers gripped his arm.
"I came looking for you."
The gruff voice of his 2am alarm, calmed his nerves. "There's a gas leak, they've barricaded the entire block."
Guided by the policeman, Clive rounded the corner to a sea of faces.
"Hello," he greeted them, smiling shyly. His face lit up as he spotted the brimming yellow dumpster.