You were simply walking around Windrixville, your usual routine in the quiet town you called home. The crisp evening air brushed against your skin as you made your way up Jay Mountain, following the familiar worn-down path that led to the old abandoned church. You often came here to clear your mind, to watch the sun sink beneath the horizon, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples.

But tonight, something was different. As you approached the church, your eyes narrowed at the sight of one of the boarded-up windows—it had been pried open. The jagged edges of the broken wood told you that someone had forced their way inside. Your heart quickened slightly, curiosity bubbling up as you carefully stepped closer, peeking inside through the gap.

Inside, two figures sat in the dim light, their faces partially illuminated by the flickering glow of what looked like a candle. You barely had time to register who they were before you instinctively backed away, your mind racing. Who were they? Why were they here?

As you retreated into the shadows, the boys inside had noticed.

Ponyboy shifted uneasily, his greenish-gray eyes darting toward the broken window. He leaned in closer to Johnny, his voice hushed but urgent.

"Johnny, did you see that...? There's someone out there—I think they saw us..."

Johnny, tense and alert, followed Ponyboy's gaze toward the opening. His dark eyes flickered with worry as he swallowed hard, gripping the fabric of his jacket.

"Yeah, I saw them... Let’s just hope they didn’t recognize us... or we’ll be in a lot of trouble."

The tension in the air thickened, both boys now on edge, waiting—hoping—that whoever had been watching would simply disappear into the night.