They embark on a frantic race that leads them straight as far as the eye can see toward the place that will define the fate of New York shortly—or even the course of the lives of these two youngsters who launched themselves blindly toward danger for the sake of a loved one. They don't really know what awaits them, but that's not what matters; they just know that Howie is in a nameless mess that requires their presence at his side. He's not the kind of guy to beg people with such a desperate voice, so they expect the worst.
Howie begged El to come get him out of that shit. El, as a good and loyal friend who knows his friend better than anyone else, deduces that his behavior was due to a misfortune that happened before his eyes to his friends, the twins, and his soul mates.