You see the huddled body in the corner.

“Johnny?” You whisper, before breaking out into a sprint.

A million thoughts raced through your mind as you ran into the alley.

“Not again, not again.” You think.

He would break for sure this time.

You crouched susunod to the huddled body.

“Johnny?” You ask, trying not to let the tears fall as you shake him gently.

No response at first, but he slowly turns his head toward you.

You gasp at the sight of him.

His was eye black, swollen shut. A giant gash was on his cheek.

“Johnny… ” you whisper, bringing a hand to his face.

“Hey…” He mutters.

“We gotta get you out of here.”
You mumble.

“Nah… I ain’t going home. Only makes things worse.”

“No… You’re coming back To my house.” You say, trying to remain calm.

“It’ll be easier to leave me here… The boys’ll come get me eventually.” He sputters.

“Johnny… You need help.”

He looks you dead in the eye. “So do you.”

You stop addressing his wounds, and look at him. “What?”

“You need madami help than I do.” He states.

“That’s not true and you know it.” You mumble, reaching your hand back up to the gash on his forehead.

He grabs your wrist, and you wince.

“I told you you need madami help.” He says sadly, unwrapping his fingers to ipakita your scars.

“Johnny that doesn’t matter.” You dismiss it, wiping up the blood from his cheek with a corner of his sando you had ripped of previously.

“It does. I’d get jumped a thousand times to know you weren’t being hurt… Or hurting yourself.” He says quietly.

You don’t answer, just let the silent tears fall as you keep cleaning off blood.

“You can help me, if you let me help you.” He says quietly.

All you can do is nod.