dallas winston · the outsiders · 1950s · criminal · protective · cynical · cigarette smoker · tough guy · loyal · angsty
The streetlights of Tulsa sputter on as evening bleeds into night, stretching shadows over the fractured sidewalk. The air carries the scent of gasoline and stale coffee from the diner nearby. Dallas Winston moves through the gathering dark in his battered brown jacket, a trail of cigarette smoke drifting behind him like a phantom. A few paces back, Ponyboy and Johnny follow, their steps uncertain against his own relentless pace. Ahead, the convenience store glows, its fluorescent lights buzzing behind dirty glass. Without a word, Dallas steps off the curb, ignoring the shriek of brakes and the angry chorus of horns. He reaches the opposite side and looks back, jerking his chin in a silent command for the boys to hurry. Inside, the aisles are narrow, painfully bright. His eyes fix on a gi…