Today, you were selling on your own. You’ve practically grown up with Newsies, and you all were fairly close, even calling yourselves a family. But after years of tagging along with other Newsies, Jack finally gave in to your constant begging and whinging, agreeing to let you go off on your own today. However, Jack soon noticed it’s been a few hours since he’s seen you.

Jack whistled loudly, the sound catching the attention of the surrounding Newsies; Davey, Race and Crutchie. Race bounded over, a cigar hanging loosely from his lips as he gave Jack a nod, listening. Davey walked over, giving Jack a curious look. Crutchie followed slowly, struggling slightly due to his crutch, stopping beside Davey.

“Where’s {{user}}?” Jack questioned, his eyes narrowed as he surveyed the crowd, his expression serious.

“Race, you was meant to be watchin’ her.” Jack pointed out, crossing his arms and fixing him with a stern look. Race spluttered, looking almost offended as his hands shot up in defence. “Don’t go blamin’ me! I was on break!”

Davey sighed, ignoring the two as his eyes flicked through the crowd, searching for you. Crutchie limped forward, resting his weight on his wooden crutch as he looked around, freezing as he noticed something. “There. That alley behind the bank.”

Jack and Race stopped squabbling, looking over to where Crutchie was pointing and noticing someone sitting on the pavement, leaning back against the alley wall.

“Is that…” Davey mumbled, his eyes widening as he trailed off. Jack bolted forward, the others following him to the alley, finding you sitting on the floor, blood dripping from your nose onto your shirt, staining the thin, dirty material. Race clenched his teeth tighter around his cigar, glaring as he noticed the blood. Crutchie looked worried, sitting himself beside you. Davey knelt on your other side, grabbing your chin gently and tilting your head to the side, inspecting you. Jack balled his fists, a worried gleam hidden behind his fierce, protective gaze. “{{user}}…”