Chapter 4

Mr Curtis POV

We got to his room. We opened the door, and went into the room. Pony was laying on a bed, still unconscious, Chris and Sodapop were the first two at his bedside. They were on opposite sides though. They were just talking to him. Darry, Michael, and I followed. I started thinking about random things.

A doctor came in, and informed us that visiting hours were almost up. We were all able to say something to Pony, before we decided to leave. Soda clearly didn't want to. He was crying. The doctor said that they'd let us know if anything changes with Pony. They asked Chris about the side of her face. They just gave her some stuff, and told her to put it on her face. She did that.

We finally decided to go home. I didn't want to go back to get the car. I figured someone would find it, and I didn't feel like messing with icy roads again. Michelle dropped us off at our house.

Soda's best friend, Steve, came over later. The moment he saw Chris's face, he knew something was up. he also noticed that Ponyboy wasn't here. I had to admit. The house felt weird without Ponyboy.

On some nights, Pony was talkative. others, he was quiet.

Soda told Steve, "Yea. We kinda got into an accident, Steve. Pony's at the hospital." Steve looked shocked, and asked, "How bad Soda?"

Soda said, "Bad. Doctor said he might not wake up. Steve, I hope he's alright."

I don't think Darry could take much more of it. He just went to his room, and gently shut his door.

I decided to go in and check on Darry. I opened his door, and asked, "Can I come in?" He said yeah. I came in, and saw that he had tear streaks on his face. Darry said, "Dad, I saw Pony in the car, and, I don't know. Do you really think he'll really be okay?"

I said, "Of course he will be Dar. You know Pony. He's a fighter. We'll make it through this. God only gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors."

Darry gave a weak smile, and I hugged him.

XXX

After a bit more talking, we went back into the living room. Steve was trying to cheer up Soda. I was wondering where Johnny was. He was Ponyboy's best friend. I decided to put it off for now.

We ate supper, and tried to live our night as if it were a normal one. It was so different without Ponyboy. Steve asked if he could spend the night, and I told him that he could.

Soda went to bed a little later. I could tell that Soda was trying to act normal, but I could tell that he was hurting on the inside. He kept looking sad. Him and Ponyboy used to get ready for bed together. I guess that Soda wasn't used to sleeping alone. I felt bad for him.

Chris and I decided to go to bed as well.

I thought about Pony.

All of my thoughts put me to sleep.

XXX

Morning finally came. I was up first, making breakfast, when the phone rang. I answered it, and found out that it was the hospital.

They said, "Good news, Mr. Curtis. Ponyboy's brain waves are improving. He started to wake up a little last night. Visiting hours start soon, and end at four." I was overjoyed. I said, "Okay, thanks! I'll try to get there soon."

That was the end of the conversation. My wife, Chris, was the next one up, followed by Soda and Steve. When I was alone with Chris, I said, "Good news! Ponyboy is getting better!" She put her hands over her mouth, and started crying tears of joy. We hugged, and she called the boys in here. That was when Darry got up.

Soda, Steve, and Darry all came into the kitchen. Chris said, "Pony is getting better. We can see him later!"

For the whole morning, everyone seemed happier.

Maybe. Just maybe... I thought to myself. Maybe our family isn't 100% shattered... Just like Ponyboy's window... Maybe we'll get through this, with nothing but memories of the crash.