AN: Time for the end, people! Ah, the wonderful feeling of being done…anyways, just enjoy the ending! R+r!

            Another cold December morning. I step outside my door and begin my daily walk at a brisk pace. And when I get to the corner, he's there, just like every morning…except for those few mornings when he was my son. Those few, precious mornings.

            "Good morning, Mr. Thurston."

            "Good morning. One paper, please."

            "Of course, sir. That'll be a penny."

            I fished through my wallet, and then I pulled out a nickel and pressed it into his ink-stained hand, taking the paper and smiling. "Keep the change, Skittery. You'll need it."

            "Thanks."

            I began to walk away, and then stopped and turned around. "It's Christmas Eve tomorrow. What are your plans?"

            "Just celebrating with the newsies, sir. We do every year."

            "How about celebrating someplace warm for once, with a real Christmas tree?"

            He sold another paper and then turned to me, confusion lacing his features. "Whadda ya mean?"

            "Bring the newsies to my place tomorrow. We'll celebrate there."

            "All of 'em?!"

            "Every single one. We'll have the Christmas party that Blake never got."

            Skittery smiled. "As long as you know what you're getting into."

            "Oh, believe me, I know."

            "Okay then…we'll do that. Thanks."

            I turned and continued walking, hearing him continue to shout the headlines- half of them exaggerated, the other half fake. I smiled and shoved my hands deep into my pockets, nodding in acknowledgment at Mush, who was selling on the next corner down the street. He laughed when I gave him a nickel and took a paper even though I obviously already had one. Then I moved on to Central Park, walking slowly now and taking in the sights.

            Blake loved you, ya know. He really did. And I can see why. He woulda been real proud of you just now.

            It had taken me a long time to realize it, and it had taken a newsie's shattered and yet pure heart to tell me, but I finally knew. I finally understood. And that's all that matters, when you get right down to it.

AN: The End! Sob! Alright, you've read it, now review it! Skitts and Mush are beggin ya, please review or I will die of feelin' unloved!

Hope you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!