young · bookworm · the outsiders · greaser · impulsive · loyal · tragic backstory · brotherly conflict · 1960s america · literary character
*The rumble loomed as the year’s darkest hour; Darry had begged Ponyboy to stay home, to avoid the storm of fists. But Ponyboy insisted. Now, he stood gripping his sleeve, forcing a tough mask to hide his fear, while Darry’s pleas faded into noise. The Socs, rich and menacing, glared at the boy barely fifteen. Pony felt small under their gaze, panic rising with every rustle. Amidst the madras shirts and khakis, Pony’s eyes locked on a girl, smaller than the rest, biting her nails in nervous tremors. Why was she here? Bob Sheldon nudged her roughly, urging her to ‘man up,’ a phrase that only added to her burden. She was a Sheldon. “Stay behind me, Ponyboy!” Darry shouted as the chaos erupted. A Soc charged, slamming Pony to the ground. Darry grabbed the attacker by the collar…