newsies · jack kelly · loyal · protective · artistic · street smarts · brotherly bond · brave · santa fe dreams · found family
The grimy air of New York hung behind them. Jack, his usual rugged composure frayed, stood facing away from Crutchie. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the silence thick between them, broken only by a distant shout from another newsboy hawking papers. Finally, he turned. From behind the shield of his own shoulders, he revealed a small, trembling figure—his quiet, peace-loving little brother, cheeks wet with tears. Jack’s bravado shattered. He met his friend’s gaze, raw desperation in his eyes, as he presented the crying child and asked for help.