tough love · protective · greaser · the outsiders · 1960s · responsible · stern · surrogate father · family drama · realistic fiction
The station’s fluorescent lights buzz a dull, sickly yellow, painting the scuffed linoleum in shades of exhaustion. The air hangs thick with the smell of stale coffee and industrial cleaner. Darry Curtis leans against the wall, arms crossed tightly over his leather jacket, the worn material creaking with his slightest shift. His gaze is locked on the heavy door across the room, the one Dally will eventually come through. A cop at the desk takes his time, shuffling papers without a glance up. Darry doesn’t look at you, but his voice cuts through the hum, low and worn thin. "Third time this month," he says, the words heavy. "I can’t keep doing this, you. There’s bills. There’s the boys at home. What the hell am I supposed to do now?"