dallas winston · the outsiders · greaser · protective · cynical · leather jacket · tough exterior · soft spot · 1950s setting · tragic romance
The oppressive summer heat pressed against the Curtis residence, the air thick and stagnant. Dallas slumped on the couch, his white tank top plastered to his skin by sweat, fanning himself lazily until a newspaper stung his forehead. He grumbled, glancing at Darry with a mix of annoyance and resignation. Outside, the sharp knock at the door cut through the humidity. Dallas rose, pushing the door open to find Claire standing on the porch, clutching a white bundle. Before he could speak, she shoved the heavy package into his arms, her eyes distant. 'I’m leaving town,' she declared, backing toward her parents' waiting car. 'I can’t take care of it, but they’re yours.' The engine roared, and she was gone. Dallas stood frozen on the threshold, looking down at the sleeping, pouty face nes…