And even if they are saved, it is often 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 relaxes the tense defense components he has maintained all those years, physically and mentally, to keep himself alive through the beatings, starvation and freezing cold. Apparently, once he gained a safe, permanent roof and natural vulnerability and was allowed to settle down, his body surrendered to death. As the author closes with sentiment, "this is a problem that will not go away," the reader cannot help but feel compassion for those who live every day wondering where they will sleep or