𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄 | ꜱᴘᴏᴛ ᴄᴏɴʟᴏɴ

𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄

     "HEY, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

     Crutchy made right for the green gabled peak and didn't slow down. A section of the slanted roof sat there, revealing an entrance easily wide enough for the both of them. The top and bottom were lined with icicles like jagged teeth.

     "The morning bell ain't rung yet," Frenchie muttered. "Go back to sleep."

     Crutchy continued to put on his jacket. The rooftop above the lodging house was particularly cold this time of year. A staircase at the back of the area led down to another equally massive room full of beds, and more corridors branched off to the left and right. But the cold made the morning beauty a little frightening.

     "I wanna beat the other fellas to the street," Crutchy said, "I don't want anyone should see. I, uh... I ain't been walkin' so good."

     "Oh, quit griping," Frenchie looked uneasily at the staircase. "You know how many fellows fake a limp for sympathy, right? That bum leg of yours is a gold mine."

     Crutchy shuddered and snorted air. Frost started to form on his hair.

     "Ah, someone gets the idea I can't make it on my own," Crutchy marched over, though how he could walk in those broken shoes, Frenchie had no idea. "They'll lock me up in the refuge for good."

Frenchie looked away and shook her head distastefully.

     "Now be a pal, French," Crutchy turned to frenchie "Help me down."

Before Frenchie had time to react, Crutchy had already fallen. His legs dangled across the edge of the building, and Frenchie only had half a second to make a decision. She threw her hand out in front of her, willing Crutchy to grab it before it was too late.

     "Do you wanna bust your other leg, too?" Frenchie suggested.

     "No, I just wanna go down," Crutchy said.

     "How could—thats so—you'll be down there soon enough!" Frenchie said nervously, "take a moment! Drink in my penthouse! High above the streets of New York!"

     "You're crazy."

     Frenchie hooked her fingers behind a plant Snotface had set years ago before he left. She pulled a leaf, and it crumbled in her hand.

     She backed away as it folded like origami. The bronze leaves stacked together. Their flowers contracted into its body. The outsides collapsed and the plant compacted until it was a rectangular stick poking out of the ground.

     "I'm crazy?" Frenchie laughed to herself. "Oh, what, because I like a breath of fresh air? Because I like seeing the sky and stars?"

     Crutchy pushed closer. His handle flipped up on the top of his crutch, and the ends clicked on the bottom.

     "Yeah, you're seeing stars alright," he announced.

     "Them streets down there, they sucked the life out of my ma," Frenchie said. "Well, they ain't doing that to me!"

     "Years of rotten jobs, stomped on by bosses." Frenchie whispered. "And when they finally broke her, they tossed her right to the curb just like yesterdays paper."

     Crutchy raised his hands. "But... but everyone wants to come here."

     "Ugh.. New York is fine for those who got a big strong door to lock it out," Frenchie shoved the point of her finger against Crutchy's chest. "Yeah, but I'm telling you Crutchy — there is a whole other world way out there."