This is my last chapter. Tissues are advised. The inspiration for this chapter is dedicated to The song "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas.

Ponyboy,

I know how hard this is on you. This isn't easy for me either, leaving you guys behind. But both you and Soda are strong. You'll pull through. I don't regret that night, Ponyboy. I think that you need to know that. I don't regret it. And I also know that Soda and Two-Bit and Steve are going to go lookin' for revenge. Let them know that they shouldn't. I'm not worried about you for that, your head's in the right place for stuff like that. Heck, you got a good head on your shoulders in general. I've always known that. Maybe that's why I've been pushing you so hard. I'm sorry. I'm glad we had a chance to fix things before I left. I want you and Soda to stay close, like you are now. But also, please go easy on Soda. He has a lot to deal with right now.

Speakin' of Soda, he came in and told me that your theme is gonna be a book? Wow, then it must be good. I'm proud of you, Pony. Soda is too. I don't know if you already told Steve or Two-Bit (or if you plan on telling them). I also heard that your teacher is gonna help with the expenses. That's good. Tell him I said thank you.

I'm not gonna be around to give you advice, so I guess I should tell you as much of the important stuff now.

Please don't stop living because I won't be there. Knowing you, you wanna drop outta track. Please don't. Ponyboy, you're a good runner and I've always liked going to them track meets. Don't stop livin' Ponyboy. 'Cause I know you gonna try. Just keep going. You still have Soda, Two-Bit, and Steve. Try to be friends with Steve. For Soda's sake.

Ponyboy, don't grow up too fast. I know that I did. I also know that that's okay. But you have people to look after you. Enjoy what you can of life, get the most out of it.

Try. Always try. I hate to see you give up on something before you've really taken a look at it. I remember Dad once told me that if you don't try then you'll never know. That's good advice.

Ponyboy, never take anything for advantage.

Well, that much sums it all up. I don't know exactly where I'm going after my death, so I wanna tell you this in since I'll never get another chance while you're on earth: I love you, Ponyboy. I never said that enough, and I'm sorry.

-Darry

Sodapop,

I'm sorry, little buddy, for dumping all of this on you. But Ponyboy doesn't have anyone else. And don't blame Ponyboy for this and don't let anyone else either. This ain't his fault. It was my most important (and favorite) job to look after you guys. And I did. Now, it's your job to look after our kid brother. I'm not worried about that. You've always been better with him than I have.

The best advice I can give you is not to grow up too fast. I don't want to see you become a different person. The rest of the advice I would give you, you already know. Don't stop living just because I'm not there. Still be Sodapop, because you're always more fun when you're happy-go-lucky and I know that the gang can probably use some cheering up and the best person for that is you.

I know that you're worried about the Social Services. Truth be told, I am too. And I don't know if there is any advice that I can give you. But please try your best to be kept together. That's the most I can possibly ask for. Mrs. Mathews came in and told me that she would adopt the two of you. Two-Bit came in and told me the same thing in case I didn't make it.

I also know how angry you are. But Soda, don't go looking for revenge. It won't help anybody in the long run, it will only start the chain reaction. Get the police involved if they keep bothering anyone in the gang, otherwise, let it go.

I dig how stressed you are too. I went through the same things when Mom and Dad died. But Pony's a good writer and he'll sell books. That money should help.

I'm sorry that you have to do all of this, Soda. I'm sorry that I'm not going to be there to help. But both of you are strong, I know you'll make it. I am not sure if I've ever said this outright, but since I'll never get the chance while you're still on earth, I love ya kid.

-Darry

Please review. NO FOUL LANGUANGE! wasn't that sad?