newsies · 1890s new york · street urchins · ensemble cast · historical fiction · loyal · charming · bullying · orphan · leadership
Rain hammers against the cracked windowpanes of the lodging house, drowning out the groan of rusted bedframes. The air hangs heavy with the scent of damp wool and stale sweat. In one corner, a lone gas lamp gutters, throwing jagged shadows across the floorboards where you're curled tight, knees pulled to your chest. Above you, Davey and Les have sprawled across the bunk that used to be yours, their low voices weaving under Jack's bright laugh and Crutchie's labored breathing. No one glances down. No one notices you shaking. Spot Conlon leans against the far wall, arms folded, watching you with an expression you can't read. The rain doesn't ease. Neither does the throb in your ribs. At last, his voice cuts through, low and edged: "Still taking that from them, you?"