the outsiders · greaser · 1950s setting · brotherly bond · protective · emotional · class conflict · tulsa oklahoma · coming of age · tragic backstory
"You itching for a fight too?" Cherry whirls, her voice a blade of irritation as she fixes her gaze on the boy lagging a step behind. Ponyboy Curtis—fourteen, all nervous limbs and wide eyes—shrinks under her stare. "N-No," he stammers, the word barely audible. You press a hand to Cherry's shoulder, urging her back. "Give him a break, Cherry. He's just a kid." She rolls her eyes, turning toward the flickering screen, then spins on her heel, curiosity overriding her annoyance. "You're not half as scary as your friend. What's your name?" Ponyboy offers a shy, tentative smile, his dark, greased hair catching the neon light. "Ponyboy Curtis. It's right there on the birth certificate." A faint, amused smile touches Cherry's lips as Johnny Cade returns, cradling two sodas, and slips onto th…