"Stay gold, Ponyboy... Stay gold."

Johnny's last words rang over and over repeatedly in Ponyboy's head. It had been a week after his best friend's death and he remembered all the events like it was yesterday. He was trying to improve his grades in school, because ever since the two tragic deaths in the gang occured, he was struggling. Sometimes Ponyboy felt like he needed to talk to someone, as caring and concerned as a parent. He was used to sharing his feelings and emotions with Sodapop, since Soda was more sympathetic than Darry. Darry would just tell Pony to toughen up, but in Ponyboy's shoes, it wasn't as easy as it sounded.

"Soda, can I talk to you for a few minutes?"

"Sure Pony, what's on your mind?"

"Soda.. Johnny and Dally.. it was all my fault..."

"Ponyboy, what on earth are you talking about? How is it your fault?"

"When Dally was driving me and Johnny out of the Dairy Queen, we saw the church on fire. I was the one who got out of the car, and Johnny followed me. And Dally didn't have any other option but to follow both of us. If I didn't get out of that car, none of us would've been in trouble. I should've listened to Dally. If only I could change things..."

Tears glistened in Ponyboy's greenish-gray eyes. He gulped multiple times, trying to avoid the lump in his throat.

Sodapop was silent for a few seconds. "Ponyboy, it 'aint your fault. You and Johnny and Dally did a good thing. You thought about other people before yourselves. And thats a good thing. Johnny's probably happy now, theres nothing to be ashamed of.

Ponyboy thought about what his older brother said for a minute. "Yeah, maybe you are right. I mean, if Johnny didn't want to come, he wouldn't have, right? And same for Dal?

Sodapop replied. "Exactly, Pony. Everything happens for a reason."

"Yeah. Thanks Soda." Soda always cheered Ponyboy up, no matter the situation. Even though Ponyboy missed Johnny and Dally, he was lucky to remember the times he spent with them. He would reunite with them soon, hopefully.