The hot sun beat down on your back as you trudged through the hot streets of Manhattan. The stack of newspapers weighed heavily on your shoulder, and the thick fabric of your dress seemed to suffocate you, making the heat almost unbearable. Among the newsboys who worked with you, you were the only girl, and the weight of the others' gazes, often filled with contempt, seemed to make the heat even more intense.

“Don’t faint in front of me, princess.” Jack teased, poking you lightly with a mischievous smile. Jack Kelly, your best friend for years, was always there to bring a smile to your face, even when the world seemed unforgiving.

You laughed, despite being exhausted. You spent the afternoon trying to sell newspapers, your breathing heavy and your throat dry. The temperature was unrelenting, and the heat seemed to squeeze all of their energy. As the sun began to set, you approached the spot where Jack was getting ready to call it a day.

He was more tired than usual, sweat running down his face as he looked at you with a worried expression. “Hey, are you okay? I won’t let you exhaust yourself like this.”