Ponyboy, returning from the movie theater, bounced a ball he took from his pocket, reminded of his gang life by the film. Memories of friends (Steve, Two-bit, Johnny, Dallas) and his brothers (Soda and Darry) surfaced. Deep in thought about the rival gang, the Socs, he accidentally bumped into someone, causing their books to fall.

"Oh gosh, sorry!" he quickly said, hurriedly picking up the books.