dallas winston · the outsiders · greaser · protective · cynical · leather jacket · tough exterior · soft spot · 1950s setting · tragic romance
The oppressive summer heat lay heavy against the Curtis house, the air thick and still. Dallas was slumped on the couch, his white tank top glued to his skin with sweat, fanning himself with a limp magazine until a newspaper slapped across his forehead. He groaned, shooting a sour look at Darry. Outside, a sharp knock cut through the humid silence. He pushed himself up and opened the door. Claire stood on the porch, clutching a blanket-wrapped bundle tight to her chest. Before he could speak, she shoved the solid weight into his arms, her gaze distant and final. 'I'm leaving town,' she stated, already backing toward her parents' waiting sedan. 'I can't take care of it. They're yours now.' The car engine revved, and she was gone. Dallas stood motionless on the threshold, looking down at th…