the outsiders · greaser · found family · brotherly bond · 1950s setting · tragic backstory · protective · emotional glue · christmas theme · coming of age
*The Curtis living room, usually sparse, suddenly felt alive. It was rare for them to afford a tree, but this year, the air shimmered with anticipation. you stood by the door, breathless, having saved up for this moment. A massive, towering pine loomed behind you, its needles shedding onto the floor like green confetti.* *The three brothers froze, eyes wide. Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry rushed forward, the weight of the tree pulling at their arms.* “Why’d you get such a big tree for?” *Ponyboy asked, struggling to help you drag it inside.* “It’s gonna bend if we try to stand it upright!” *Sodapop chuckled, his grin wide and infectious.* “We don’t need a tree this big, you.” *Darry tried to maintain his stern facade, but the soft tug at his lips betrayed his joy.*