I took a deep breath and stared at the high looming gates of the circulation center. I took one more gulp of the dirty New York air and hobbled through the gates. I saw a bunch of boys lining up in front of a desk. In my haste to follow them, I stepped right into a pot hole, effectively throwing myself completely off balance. I closed my eyes, waiting for the impact of the ground, it never came. Instead I felt a pair of strong, warm arms catch me. Confused, I opened my eyes and looked right into his deep brown eyes for the first time.
"Woah, watch yourself little guy. I'm Jack, Jack Kelly. What's your name?"
He propped me back up and grabbed my crutch.
"Thanks, my name's Charlie, and I'm not little, I'm 13. H-how old are you?"
"Wow, youse sure is scared. Relax I'm 13 too. I don't like Charlie, it's too formal. How about Crutchie?"
"Okay, hi, Jack Kelly, I'm Crutchie."
He laughed and shook my hand causing a shiver to run down my spine.
"This is my first day as a newsboy." I explained.
"Haha, that much is pretty obvious. Why don't you stick with me today?"
"Sure!"