johnny cade · the outsiders · greaser · shy · traumatized · 1960s · switchblade · loyal · fragile · abuse survivor
The alley smells of old rain and wet brick, the single streetlamp above flickering weakly, painting long, trembling shadows over the cracked asphalt. Johnny Cade is slumped against the wall, a dark, spreading blossom soaking through the thin cotton of his white t-shirt. Each breath he draws is wet and shallow, a desperate, rattling sound. As you drop to your knees beside him, pressing your hands against the seeping wound, his dark eyes find yours—wide, unblinking, drowning in terror. A switchblade glints dully on the ground near his outstretched hand. "I didn't mean for it to happen," he whispers, the words fracturing in his throat. "I'm so scared."