Stay Gold, Ponyboy, Stay Gold.

Ponyboy is spending a couple of days in the hospital. It turns out he got a concussion from the rumble, the poor kid. I think it was more the shock though, that caused him to collapse like that.

The gang isn't the same without Dally or Johnny. Whenever we get together we don't talk to much, and we never ever mention Dally or Johnnycakes. I think it's wrong. Shouldn't we talk about them to keep their memory alive?
The last thing I want to do is forget them.

Ponyboy's been drifting in and out, he never stays awake for more than a couple minutes.
Doc says we can take him home tomorrow, I hope that makes him feel better.

Wait a minute.

A nurse just came in and left a copy of "Gone With The Wind" says that it was from Johnny.
There's a note sticking out of it. . .maybe I should read it. . .
No, I shouldn't it's to Ponyboy, none of my business.
But, if it'll upset him. Maybe I should.

Ponyboy, I asked the nurse to give you this book so you could finish it. The doctor came in a while ago but I knew anyway. I keep getting tireder and tireder.
Listen, I don't mind dying now. It was worth it. It's worth saving those kids. Their lives are worth more than mine, they have more to live for. Some of their parents came by to thank me and I know it was worth it.Tell Dally it was worth it. I'm just gonna miss you guys.
I've been thinking about it, and that poem, that guy that wrote it, he meant you're gold when you're a kid, like green.When you're a kid every thing's new, dawn. It's just when you get used to everything that it's day. Like the way you dig sunsets, Pony. That's gold. Keep that way, it's a good way to be.
I want you to tell Dally to look at one. He'll probably think you're crazy, but ask for me. I don't think he's ever really seen a sunset. And don't be so bugged over being a greaser. You still have a lot of time to make yourself be what you want. There's still lots of good in the world. Tell Dally. I don't think he knows.
Your buddy, Johnny.

I sat there for a few minutes.
Okay, I shouldn't of read it. That was a stupid idea.
I quietly tucked the note into the back of the book.
I'm never going to say anything about this, I told myself.

Ponyboy stirred.
"Pony?" I asked. "Pony?"
Nawh, he was still asleep.

I sighed and got up. I needed something to eat.