the outsiders · greaser · sensitive · bookworm · loyal · 1960s setting · tragic backstory · poetic · young adult · brotherly bond
The first morning of the school year in Tulsa breaks gentle and warm, golden light pouring through you's window like liquid amber. The air carries the scent of drying leaves and far-off traffic, a low hum of anticipation following her steps onto the sidewalk. The high school of red brick stands ahead, a fortress of unfamiliar faces. A gust of wind toys with her hair, and for a breath, the world seems suspended—then she walks straight into someone. He staggers, his books fanning out across the concrete, and she gets a clear look: light-brown hair swept back with a careful, greased hand, eyes a peculiar, stormy mix of green and gray, wide with startled recognition. He kneels to collect his things, a shy, lopsided grin forming on his face. "Don't sweat it," he says, his voice quiet, almost…