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The next two parts for Cade:

Finally Cade raised his head. He had to go to Joan’s house. It was the only choice left. He had said, and he would do. Standing shakily to his feet, he wiped the tears from his cheek. Reaching up, he pushed up the manhole cover and, grabbing the edge of the hole, pulled himself up through. Exhaustion swept over him. He collapsed on the street for the first time in a while he actually felt the gnawing pains of hunger in his stomach. Waves of dizziness came and went.

Standing up again, he hurried in. Every few minutes, huger it dizziness forced him to stop and lean against a wall for support. But finally he reached Joan’s house. He knocked the special knock and then waited. Within seconds, the door opened.

Joan appeared in the doorway. She had already taken down her hair from it’s tight braid and it hung in thick waves around her face. The lamp in her hand illuminated her worried face. She grabbed Cade’s shoulder.

“Beta 7.9!! Come in! You look like you’re about to pass out,” she pulled him into the house, “what are you doing here so late-well early,”

Cade breathed raggedly and lifted his bloodshot eyes to her face, “I’m- I’m going to have to stay for a while Joan. .  I’ve come here to. . . to hide.”

——–

Joan gazed into his eyes for a long moment before she spoke. Her eyes had softened into a look Cade rarely saw in them and other people never did. Her hands tightened around Cade’s  shoulders as she finally cleared her throat, “I never thought you’d do it Cade,”

Cade drew another shaky breath and returned her gaze with earnest inquiry in his eyes. “Are you. . . are you disappointed Joan?”

“No. No in fact- I’m glad. You’ve been holding out for too long. I was beginning to wonder how much longer you would be able to hold out. You’ve been a wonderful leader to the sparrows. And I thank God for bringing them someone as wise and kind as you,”

Cade swallowed hard, “Thank you Joan,”

“But,” she continued, nodding in recognition of his gratitude “Even the strongest of leaders have to rest Cade. You need rest. I’m glad someone finally got that into your hard head,” the corners of her mouth lifted in a quiet, teasing smile.

Cade smiled faintly, “You can thank Kirat for that,”

All at once, all the color raced from Cade’s cheeks leaving them in an almost transparent pallor. Harshly, his breath caught in his throat. His eyes widened into a blank stare. Joan’s smile faded and her eyes filled with alarm.

“Cade. . . are you alright?”

“Joan?” Cade’s voice was empty and uncertain.

“Yes, Cade, I’m right here. Come sit down before you- CADE!!” Cade’s eyes rolled back in his head. His knees gave out and his body sagged forwards into her, “Cade?” She strained to hold up his weight as she eased him down to the floor. Laying him down, she shook him, “Cade! He’s unconscious.” She bit her lip as she laid her fingers on the side of his neck. “At least there’s a pulse,” she whispered as she put her ear over his mouth. Jerking upright, she lifted her eyes to the ceiling; her hands gripping Cade’s shoulders fiercely “Oh God he’s not breathing! Help him!”

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