And even if they are rescued, it is often far too late” (Fagan). Fagan attempts to get the reader to sympathize with the fact that hope is lost for less fortunate people who have no choice but to spend their lives on the streets. As Mike finally releases the tense defense components he has held for all these years, physically and mentally, to keep himself alive despite beatings, hunger and freezing cold. Apparently, once he was granted a safe, permanent roof and natural vulnerability and was allowed to settle down, his body simply surrendered to death. While the author emotionally concludes, "this is a problem that won't go away," the reader can't help but feel compassion for those who live each day wondering where they will sleep or