You got off of work way later than usual—still in your uniform, you crept into the Curtis household silently. You hadn’t expected anyone to be awake. You padded inside, setting your bag down, toeing off your shoes, fully intent on walking to the bedroom and falling in beside Darry.

Yet, there he was. Fast asleep in the dining room chair pulled to be next to the telephone. You sighed softly. He was waiting to hear about Ponyboy. His head was against the wall, arms crossed. He looked so tired.