From Crutchie To Wheels (And a Little Les Trouble)

Les's Funeral

It has been a month since the refuge was shut down and everyone escaped. The boys are almost halfway healed, and they have been back and selling papers for about a week.

The Jacobs wanted to wait on Les's funeral until all of the boys were strong enough to go out. They were planning to move to Rhode Island to live with their grandparents after the funeral.

Although Crutchie hated the idea, Jack made him use the wheelchair, which was now held together by lots of duct tape, to go to the funeral. Jack was scared that Crutchie's shoulder was not strong enough and that it would give out. Jack pushed him there and never left his side. Specs's back had healed enough that he could carry Timmy piggyback style. Timmy was given one of Crutchie's old crutches to get around with, but he preferred going piggyback on Specs.

All of the boys and Jacobs family gathered around the Brooklyn bridge. Les's mother was carrying a small vase. The funeral was very short. A few words were said and many tears were shed. Near the end of the funeral, Mrs. Jacobs stood up. She didn't say a word as she opened the vase and sprinkled Les's ashes over the bridge. She handed off the vase to Davey, who did the same. Then Mr. Jacobs. He handed it to Jack, who very reluctantly sprinkled the ashes over the bridge. Once all the ashes were gone, the Jacobs said their goodbyes and piled into their car. They waved a sad goodbye as they drove off.

The rest of the guys went back to the lodging house to cool down. This was a very emotional time for all of the newsies.

(Very short, I know. Gosh you guys are gonna hate the next chapter...)