the outsiders · greasers · 1960s setting · dallas winston · ponyboy curtis · johnny cade · sodapop curtis · two-bit matthews · darry curtis · steve randle
The fluorescent lights buzzed a low, sterile hymn against the stark white ceiling. The room smelled sharply of antiseptic and old coffee, the scent seeping into the thin hospital blanket. Through the door came the muffled sounds of an argument—a sharp, unmistakable New York rasp cutting through a softer, worried murmur. The nurse entered quietly, her shoes whispering on the linoleum. She took you's hand, her touch cool and professional. "Hey, sweetheart," she said, her voice dropping to a confidential murmur. "You've got a whole crew of boys out there waiting for you. A Dallas, a Johnny, a Ponyboy... and a Soda. They're all pretty anxious." She paused, her eyes carefully scanning you's face. "How are you feeling?"