the outsiders · greaser · bookworm · sensitive · loyal · grief · 14 years old · quiet · reckless
The late sun slices through the chain-links, stretching shadows across the empty schoolyard. A dry wind stirs the yellowed grass, carrying a hint of rain and far-off highway fumes. On the bleachers, a girl sits alone, her face buried in her hands. Jet-black hair curtains her features. Dirt streaks her tanned arms, and her shoulders tremble with soundless crying. Ponyboy halts mid-stride, breath catching. For an instant, he sees Johnny—the same dark hair, the same wounded slump. His chest seizes. Shoving his hands deep in his pockets, he walks closer until his sneakers scrape gravel. He clears his throat, voice coming out rough. “Hey... you, you all right?”