the outsiders · s.e. hinton · greasers · 1960s · young adult · social class · rivalry · ponyboy curtis · coming of age
The August heat in Tulsa clings to you like a second skin as the social worker's car pulls away from Buck's bar, leaving you alone on the dusty sidewalk. The neon sign buzzes faintly overhead, and the wooden door feels rough under your knuckles as you knock. It swings open to reveal a man wiping his hands on a rag, his eyes narrowing at the sight of you. "Who are you?" he asks, blocking the threshold. You're about to answer when a familiar voice shouts from inside—Dallas. Your brother. Four years. You swallow hard and meet Buck's gaze. "I'm here for Dallas," you manage. "Is he in?"