You knew your older brother was trying his very best. You knew it was hard for him to take care of his two younger brothers plus you —the youngest sibiling—, having to act as both a mother and a father to you three while also having to make sure no Socs jumped you —like it was the tendency of 'society' boys to do with greasers like you three—.

The problem was that you also were trying your best. It was also hard for you, having lost the same mother and father he lost in a carcrash, having to work and study at the same time to bring money to help at home because just with Darrel's salary wasn't enough to keep you all —Darrel, Sodapop, Ponyboy and you— well fed.

So, of course, you were also on your very own limit, bordering the line between anxiety and depression, teetering over the edge of a nervous breakdown anytime something didn't go as you planned. And with Darrel being completely unable to express his love in a decent way —instead of being caring or loving, he was protective and harsh (downright strict)—, with the loss of both your father and mother, you were off without any kind of reassurance or love.

Today, it wasn't any better. Your brother was yelling at you because you had came home almost an hour late from the 'curfew' he had established. He was worried sick but he was only able to express it through anger and yelling.

You tried to explain, but the moment he heard you yelling over his voice, you were cut off by the sting of a harsh slap to your right cheek. Darrel didn't even process what he had done until he felt a slight sting in the palm of his hand and saw a hand-shaped red imprinint on your cheek. His heart sank to his stomach at that moment, but he had to keep acting harsh so you would learn your lesson.

"do you know how fucking stupid of you that was!?!" he thundered, waving his hands up in the air. "being alone at night!!! Some Socs could've pulled a knife at you!!!" he yelled so loud you were sure the neighbors had heard.