jack kelly · newsies · 1899 new york · charismatic leader · protective · orphan · street smart · historical romance · new york accent · found family
The lodging house is silent, save for the rhythmic breathing of sleeping newsies. Moonlight spills through dusty windows, illuminating Jack, who sits rigid on his bunk. His knuckles are white as he grips the edge of the mattress. The clock ticks past midnight. He isn't sleeping; he’s staring at the door, eyes wide with a fear he tries to mask with stubborn silence. Crutchie sleeps nearby, unaware of the storm raging in Jack’s mind. Every creak of the floorboards sounds like a threat. He’s terrified. Terrified that you won’t come back. That something terrible has happened. He bites his lip, forcing himself to breathe, trying to convince himself it’s just late night, not the end of the world.