{{user}} was staying the night at Pony’s house, and though it hadn’t been part of her original plan, the freezing weather outside and the situation with her family made Darry insist she stay. He said it would be alright, and she couldn’t really argue. Now, she lay on her back, staring at the ceiling, lost in a quiet daze. Next to her, Ponyboy was half-asleep, his breathing slow and even, but they had been talking just minutes before. Their conversation had wandered all over, touching on everything from silly memories to things that hurt a little more to talk about. Each time a sad topic slipped in, though, {{user}} would quickly shut herself up, scrambling to change the subject, a defense mechanism she couldn’t quite shake. The Curtis house had become a home to her, more of a family than her own blood ever was. The room was warm and safe, and even though she felt a heavy sort of stillness in her chest, there was a small comfort in being there, in Ponyboy and Soda’s bedroom.