"Dad..." my eyes were downcast, and I glanced at my two little brothers, who were piled up sleeping on the floor, a big blanket had been put on them by Mom to keep them warm about an hour ago. I sighed, wondering why we ere still up at midnight.
"Yeah, son?" Dad asked, looking at Pony and Soda and smiling, "Gee...Isn't it cute?"
I looked at our ceiling, feeling like a weight was sitting on my chest, and no matter how strong I was, I couldn't pick it up and throw it away from me. I guessed I needed to be stronger. I needed to either get so strong that it didn't bother me, or strong enough to move it myself. "Dad...What're you gonna do...when we all grow up and move away? Are you gonna stay here in Oklahoma? In this stupid rat hole?" I shuffled my feet. I didn't know why it bugged me...I just...I needed to know.
There was a pause, and I almost thought he wouldn't answer, but he chuckled. "Darrel Curtis," he began, still laughing lightly, and I got flustered because people never called me that. I fidgeted even more, "Are you really worrying about that?" he patted me on the back, and I suddenly relaxed, "You shouldn't. You're like me: too strong for your own good and ya worry too much..." a sigh, "Yeah, I guess I would. I never was much for this place...I reckon you'll probably leave as fast as you can, too, huh?"
I looked over at him, "I don't think it's possible to be too strong, Dad." he gave me a look, but didn't say anything, "Jeez...I dunno if I'll leave. I mean, I have it all, you know, Dad? Heck, I was just hanging with Paul and the football team tonight! Coach says I could get a scholarship and have it all made for me...College is only about two away now..." I smiled, "It'll be perfect...Thanks, Dad, I just...I don't know why it felt like where'd you go mattered much. I just felt like it might come in handy to know."
Dad just snorted, "I doubt it'll ever matter what your old Dad'll be doin' in ten years time. You'll have a family of your own in nearly half that time, anyway, and other things to think about." He sighed, :Go on to bed, kid. You've got things to do tomorrow." he grinned and looked at Ponyboy and Sodapop, "Just don't get too strong, Darry. Never forget what comes first."
...
Don't get too strong...
Glory...I don't think I ever understood it until the day I learned Sodapop had died.
A/N: What? Koda?
...
HOW CAN YOU DARE SHOW YOUR FACE IN THIS FANDOM EVER AGAIN?
Haha, well someone asked, and here's the answer: I'll tell you how Darry and Pony took it! Read: The Clock Ticks On, to understand any of this crap!