Disclaimer: Hinton owns this. The plotline wasn't even mine. It was my english teacher's idea.
I still can't believe it. Johnny Cade, my best friend is dead. It's like a nightmare, and any second I'll wake up, and be lying on the cold, hard floor of the church. Don't think about the church! The tears are burning the back of my eyelids, like a fire, wishing to burn through. I can't take it. I'm hurting so bad. I miss the guy. He was the only person I could actually talk to, without being judged. He was tuff.
It's a warm day, I think the outdoor funeral was a good idea. A cool breeze is making the leaves on the trees rustle slightly. A tear falls from my eye. Sodapop squeezes my arm. I give him a watery grin. The bright sun reminds me of days Johnny and I would walk. Not say a word, just walk. Memories in my mind reel like a video. Our time in Windrixville, the day Bob attacked Johnny. And the dreaded night that Johnny killed Bob. I sigh. Darry squeezes my arm, the same way Soda did just moments before.
'It'll be okay, Ponyboy.' he says to me. I smile. I guess it's like he moved away, but the harsh realization that I'll never see him again makes it hard.
I look around. I notice Cherry crying. She's a good Soc. She is someone I can talk to. Randy has a stony look on his face. We both lost our best friend. Do he feel the same way about Bob as I feel about Johnny? All the greasers are hiding the pain of the loss. I find myself briefly wondering if this will bring us together, Socs and Greasers, just people.
I risk a look at Mr and Mrs Cade. Anger bubbled inside of me. No tears, no hurt, just blank expressions.
The funeral ends. 'Stay gold, Ponyboy.' I hear his voice, Johnny Cade's voice in my head. I turn, half expecting to see him standing there, looking at me. The memory of the dark, fearful eyes make my eyes water. I'll bet he want's me not to cry. I can hear his voice 'Crying ain't tuff, Ponyboy.' I smile at the memory of him. I bump in to Jerry, the man I met in Windrixville. He smiles and squeezes my shoulder. I look in Johnny's coffin, one last look at my best friend.
'I'll stay gold, Johnny Cade, I'll stay gold. For you.' I whisper. A tear rolls down my cheek, and onto Johnny's hand. 'Goodbye, Johnny.' I sniff and turn away, knowing, Johnny Cade, not the greaser, not the hero, but my brother, will always be in my heart.