Now it was only Jack in the room. The boardinghouse was silent for the first time in years. He's head began to pound so he stood up and took a few Tylenol. As he took three of the pills, he realized that Crutchie was laying in his bed sleeping and decided not to wake him up yet. Jack then began to wrap his wounds using bandages and cloth before he laid back down on his bed. His put his arms behind his head and stared at the ceiling. The familiar water stains that seeped through the wooden walls made him feel safe. This was the sight that he stared at for the past eight years. The sight that filled him with determination to leave New York. The sight that made him reflect on his past and the sight that made him plan for the future. His eyes felt heavy as he remembered his childhood and he went to sleep.
    Kathrine finally dropped Les off at school and she began to walk back to the boardinghouse. Well she ran. She was scared of being attacked again, and she didn't want to be away from Jack any longer. She made sure to walk where there were lots of people so she felt safe. Finally she reached the boardinghouse.
    The atmosphere of the once energetic house became relaxed, almost peaceful. Kathrine's leg was still hurting so she decided to take her time going up the stairs. As she approached the top a smile began to spread across her face. This was the first time in a days that her and Jack were alone.
    Kathrine reached for the door handle and opened the door. She saw Jack. Sleeping. He looked peaceful. She was happy that he didn't look like he was in pain. His bruises became black and blue, his cuts and marks across his chest were covered by bandages, and he was smiling in his sleep. She decided to sit on the bed beside his to watch him sleep peacefully.
    She was so focused on Jack that she didn't realize that Crutchie was looking at Jack too.
    "Hey Crutchie." Kathrine whispered as she walked over to his bed and sat down
    "Hey Kathrine." He whispered back.
    "How are you doing?" She asked
    "Better." He replied without taking his eyes off of Jack. Kathrine looked at him with a concerned look on her face.
    "It's not your fault." She told him
     "Yes it is." Crutchie replied now looking at her. "If I wouldn't have went a different route with Race, we wouldn't have gotten attacked and Jack wouldn't be hurt." Crutchie finished with tears filling his eyes.
    "Crutchie no one could have predicted that Snyder got out of jail early. Im just glad that you guys are ok." Kathrine said as she put a comforting hand on Crutchie's shoulder. He tensed, ten relaxed.
    Kathrine knew that Crutchie blamed himself for Jack's health and so did Jack for him, and that no words or evidence could convince him otherwise.  The two sat there for a few hours silently until they heard footsteps coming from the stairs. The boys were back.
    Specs opened the door silently and waved to Kathrine. She waved back. He then motioned for her to come to the doors. She stood up and quietly walked towards the door. As she shut the door behind her Specs reached into his pocket, "Here's a little something for helping us." He said as he held out 50 cents worth of coins, "It's not much but we thought it could help."
   "Specs, I can't accept this. This is a days pay!" Kathrine said as she refused the offering.
    "Kathrine please. For us." Specs pleaded. Reluctantly he took the coins from his hand. "Thank you." Kathrine said without looking him in the eyes. Specs nodded and walked over to the stairs.