After Sandy left, Soda went into a deep depression state. Everyone could see it, even if Soda tried denying it. He always said 'I can't go into depression,' and 'I don't know what you guys are talking about,' and 'I'm the happiest guy in Tulsa, you guys are crazy,' and the most common response was just silence. In the mornings, Darry and Pony tried to get Soda to eat as his eating habits became less and less. At work, Steve would get Soda in the garage at the DX to do some mechanic work, get his mind off things. He nearly blew up the DX garage, though, so that idea quickly left. Instead, Steve got Two-Bit to visit in the gas station's store daily and try to crack a smile on Soda. Anytime one came, though, they were usually fake. After work the whole gang would be there and force Soda into the living room to hang out. As months went on, Soda didn't get any better. He didnt know things were about to take a turn for the worse...or maybe the better.
It was just another morning. It had been six months since Sandy had moved to Florida, it was now the middle of April. The gang had hoped the approach of spring would cheer up their gloom friend. Soda strolled down to the kitchen and sat down for breakfast. He was in his DX uniform. At the table he just stared at his lap as if some hope would sprang to his face. Darry was glad he at least stopped sitting by the phone every morning hoping for a call.
"Good morning Soda," Darry greeted scooping eggs onto a plate.
"Morning," Soda mumbled. He took off his DX hat and ran his hand through his hair. He was a mess.
"Steve called, he got in early and said you have the day off," Darry said sitting down. Soda didn't respond. Darry knew Soda had heard him. "Maybe you should go back to bed and get some rest."
Soda sighed, "Sleeping isn't a problem anymore." Darry knew that meant the nightmares were becoming less and less. Any dream, good or bad, that Soda had of Sandy was a nightmare when he woke up knowing she was gone. Soda would stay awake all night not wanting any more dreams. He hadn't been sleeping well, but he was sleeping. Darry had the worst nights when Pony ended up having a nightmare. He'd go down the hall to comfort Ponyboy. Soda would awake from Pony's screaming and start breaking down. He's end up comforting both his younger brothers. It just killed Darry.
"Well you can take today to relax, maybe Two-Bit or Dally or Johnny will come by," Darry said.
"Yeah. How is Johnny doing?" Soda asked. After the Windrixville incident the gang went through, Johnny almost died of severe burns and the doctors even said if he did make it through, he wouldn't walk ever again. Fate was on Johnny's side though. He was in a wheelchair for four months, but ever since he's been trying his best to walk. In the wheelchair, Johnny was an easier target to his parents and he couldn't take it. He had been using a cane now.
"He's doing well. He slept over at Two-Bit's for the past week and Two-Bit said he's been trying to walk without the cane. I guess Mrs. Mathews has been helping and giving good tips. It's always good to have one den mother in the gang," Darry chuckled.
Soda slightly smiled at the joke as Pony trailed into the kitchen. "Morning Ponyboy," Darry greeted. Pony sat down and took some eggs.
"Morning Darry, morning Soda," Pony said. Soda nodded in response.
"Pony, are you busy in school today?" Darry asked.
"It's Friday, so I have a test in English as always. And I know I have a test in History too. Why?" Pony responded.
"Soda has the day off and..."
"Darry, I don't need anyone over to hang with today, I kind of want to be alone for once," Soda said in a monotone voice. The brothers and the gang had gotten use to Soda always talking in monotone, even if he was actually interested in something.
Darry nodded, "Alright. If you want, you can go on a walk to the DX and hang with Steve."
"Thanks Darry, but I think I'll just stay here," Soda said. Darry nodded again. He got up and walked to the front door and slipped on his shoes. "I'll see you guys later."
"See ya Darry," Pony said.
"Bye," Soda said. The door closed and Pony started cleaning the table. "Leave it Pony, I'll get to it."
"You sure?" Pony asked.
Soda nodded, "I need something to pass time."
"Alright. I'll see you after school," Pony said.
"Okay," Soda replied, "Hey Pony, is Two-Bit going to school today?"
"Yeah, Johnny's staying with his mom today. We might bring him here after school," Pony said.
"Okay, sounds good. I'll see you then," Soda said. Pony nodded and left as Soda began to clear the table.