“You’re failing this class right now, but taking consideration the circumstances, if you come up with a good semester theme, I’ll pass you with a C.”

The circumstances? Oh boy he knew for sure Pony had killed somebody, what else would he be talking about? Ponyboy took time to think about what to write for his semester theme, there was no good to write about.

Even if he thought of an idea, he was too ill to write; being both concussed and sick from the conditions of the church were not the best combination. On top of that, Pony’s consumption of cigarettes was concerning.

With the death of Johnny and Dally, Pony started the first stage of grief: Denial. He refused to believe Johnny was dead, that he’d killed the Soc. Unfortunately, illness doesn’t stay long enough for an excuse to not do your homework. Pony stated his assignment, it started;

”When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman, and a ride home.”

Ponyboy wrote like it was the end of the world, page after page, about recent events. He titled the story: The Outsiders. He got the C. When he was given back the assignment, it was hidden away from his brothers; in worry they wouldn’t approve of what he had written.

Darry was questionable about his claim on where his essay was, “He hasn’t passed it back yet.” Pony would say every week when Darry asked. Pony kept the hefty assignment hidden under the bed, just above the wooden frame panels.

Yet though his oldest brother didn’t believe his claims, he couldn’t just pester Pony like before; he had made a promise to him and Soda. So while Pony was at his next Checkup, Darry went through the room. “Cleaning” is what he told Soda when questioned.

And there it was, taped under the baseboards. With no other hesitation; it was read. Pony arrived an hour later after his appointment, stepping into his room to see Darry in the middle of reading his work. He stood there motionless as Darry looked up. Angry… or disappointed almost.

“Do you realize what you’re saying about me could do? You could be sent to a boys home for negligence!” Darry started to raise his voice yet paused, exhaling. “Is this really how you feel about me?”