Chapter 17 by dolpa1

As Oscar would say, "What NOW?!"

Oscar pops out of his can!

CLANG!

The lid of the trash can flipped open with a loud metallic snap. Gina flinched instinctively, but didn’t move.

Oscar shot upright in a puff of discarded lettuce and shredded newspaper. “What’s with all the racket?!” he growled, rubbing his eyes with one furry green hand. His wiry hair stuck out in tufts. “This ain’t a fire hydrant, fuzzface!”

Barkley responded with an excited bark, immediately bounding up to the rim of the can and pawing at it, his tail thumping wildly against the sidewalk.

From her position below and behind the can, Gina could see Oscar’s head bobbing just above her, his scowl pointed toward the street. The lid of the trash can jutted overhead, creating a narrow shield of cover that felt far too flimsy for comfort.

She hugged her knees tighter, breath shallow, eyes fixed on a crushed soda can near her toes. If Oscar turned just a little more—if Barkley nosed around too hard—it would all be over.

“Hey!” Oscar barked again. “Back off, ya furry bowling ball! Go bark at a lamppost or something. Some of us are tryin’ to nap in our trash!”

Barkley let out a high-pitched whine, hopping in place and continuing to circle the can, his curiosity undeterred. Then—splat—a moldy banana peel flew from inside the trash can. Barkley caught it mid-air and pranced in place like he’d won a prize at a carnival.

Gina remained silent, her heart in her throat. The pressure in her bladder pulsed again, stronger this time from the tension. She shifted slightly, sneaking one arm between her knees and pressing her hand where it was most needed. The relief was minimal, but it helped—barely.

She glanced toward the stoop. The front door was right there.

So close. And yet, completely unreachable.

Note: This chapter was initially composed with the help of ChatGPT, and then edited with the help of Gemini.