The only thing I could think about was the darkness. The darkness that was about to swallow me as if I had never existed. My arms hurt. I tore my gaze away from the never ending blackness and glimpsed up. Four strong hands gripped me, keeping me from plunging into the chasm. I stared at their faces. They were the faces of the people I loved most, of my family. They stared back, but their expressions were blank and emotionless.

"Help!" I called to them. Why weren't they doing anything? I hung there, suspended in the air, the quick beating of my heart the only sound as I continued to search their faces for a sign of something of anything. Then, without warning, my parents let go. For a terrifying moment I fell, a panicked yelp escaping my lips as I clenched my eyes shut. After a jerk I realized I was still dangling, but with only the tight grip of Darry and Sodapop keeping me from plummeting down. I began to feel their holds loosening.

"Please," I begged. "Darry?" I asked, my voice filled with despair as

I looked him in the eye.

"You have to go, Ponyboy." That was my only warning before he dropped my arm. Swaying, I watched my last remaining brother through a blurry window of tears.

"Soda?" I whispered. "Help me."

"We can't stay together." His voice was so unlike Soda, so cold and vile, it broke the window and tears began cascading down my cheeks. He regarded me with a hostility that sent daggers to my heart before releasing my arm. I plunged into the darkness, horrified, alone, and screaming.