Cigarettes and Crutches

The One Who Holds Me Up

      Crutchie was sitting on the roof top of the lodge house. He watched as the sun slowly set below the array of tall buildings. He always loved to watch the sun go down to distract him from the severe pain that surged to his right leg. He closed his eyes as a cool breeze blew through his hair. Usually, he'd still be on the ground to sell papes, but he found it too difficult to walk. He instead gave the rest of his papes to Jack in hopes he would make enough money for them to eat.
        Crutchie hated being dependent on someone, especially Jack. Still, Jack never let him put his pride before his health. He heard a noise come from behind him, and he quickly grabbed his crutch in defense. It wouldn't be the first time some thug would come up to the roof and mug him. Luckily, it was just Jack with a wide grin and a small sack. Crutchie sighed softly and lowered his crutch. "Damn, Jack, ya scared me." He said with a small chuckle. "Ya sell my papes?" Jack smiled and nodded, sitting next to Crutchie. "Yep, with just enough to get us half a sandwich at Jacobi's." Jack smiled and took out a half of a sub. Crutchie smiled brightly and took the piece ripped off for him. "Thanks Jack." He said before biting into the sandwich.
           Jack nodded and hummed. "We'se gonna get a doctor to check that leg of yours. I think it's gotten worse." Crutchie shrugged slightly and hummed. "I'm sure it ain't that bad. It just swell sometime and hurts." He stated softly. Jack let out a sigh and patted Crutchie's back. "Y'know what? When we'se go off to Santa Fe, that clear air will fix ya right up!" He said with a wide grin. Everytime Jack seemed to go on about Santa Fe, Crutchie couldn't help but will his eyes. "Yea? How we'se 'possed to get 'ere, Kelly?" He teased slightly, a small smile lingering on his lips. Jack stood up, leaning against the railing of the building. "I've been saving up, ya see? Under my cot, I got a baggy of nickles and quarters." He smiled and jumped up, sitting on the railing. "Jus' a couple more dollars and you an' I will be outta here!"
      Crutchie chuckled softly and grabbed his crutch, carefully standing up. "Yeah? We coulda used that money to eat." Jack rolled his eyes and thumped Crutchie's forehead. "Will you think of the bigga picta here?" Crutchie gave a huff and swatted away Jack's hand. "Okay, okay, I'm listenin'. What's the bigga picta?" He asked, leaning all his weight on his crutch. Jack smiled and looked up into the night sky. "Freedom, crutch... we'll be free." Crutchie's face softened a bit before smiling. "Yeah...yeah that would be nice..." He said softly. "I'd like that..."
       Jack looked back at Crutchie, smiling a bit. "You'd love it there...I jus' know you would. You'd be a lot happier there. We'd get you some help. You wouldn't have to sell more papes." Crutchie gave a soft snicker and rose a brow. "When this all become about me, huh?" Jack shrugged and jumped off the railing. "Youse my best friend, crutch. It's always been about you." With that, Crutchie felt his cheeks flush. He quickly pulled his hat over his face, giving a very soft whine. "Don't say things like that jack..." Jack laughed softly and wrapped an arm around Crutchie. "Poor kid..."