I got into the back of the ambulance with Pony Boy. Darry told me he, Two Bit, and Steve would be there in his truck as soon as they could. I held Pony's hand thinking this couldn't be happening. We just lost Johnny and Dally I can't lose my brother too!

"He's got a fever over 104 Shawn." One of the EMT's said before listening to his breathing. "Could be shock."

"What's his name again?" Shawn asked.

"Pony Boy."

The EMT gave me a funny look but said, "thanks. Pony Boy I need you to open your eyes a moment." The EMT said patting his cheeks. Pony groaned and did so. "I need you to follow the light for me okay kid?" He did that for a few minutes before saying, "Concussion."

"I've radioed it in and someone will be waiting for him." A woman said from the front of the ambulance.

I sort of tuned tuned them out after that. I was more concerned about Pony Boy who looked like he was unconscious again.

We pulled up to the hospital and they instructed me to get out so they could move around better. I watched as they unloaded Pony and rolled him quickly down the hallway.

"You'll have to wait in the waiting room." Shawn instructed pointing in the direction. It was the same one we waited in last night.

I paced the room anxious to find out some kind of news about Pony.

"Sit down Soda." I turned around to see Darry standing there. Sit down? Sit down? Our brother fainted and is in the emergency room and he wants me to sit down? "They say anything yet?"

"Just that he has a concussion and a fever of over 104 degrees." I said with a sigh. "Where's Steve and Two Bit?" I asked looking around. "I thought they were coming."

Dally shook his head. "They stayed behind to answer questions. They'll be here as soon as they can find a ride."

"Pony Boy Curtis?" A man asked coming into the waiting room.

Darry and I jumped up. "How is he?" I asked.

"He's pretty sick. His fever is 105 degrees. He's suffering from exhaustion and a minor concussion. We'll keep him here until we get the fever down. Right now he's pretty out of it. I don't suppose either of you is Soda Pop?"

"I'm Soda Pop."

"He's asking for you. And someone named Darry. I suppose that would be you?" He asked turning to Darry.

"Yeah."

"Well they are settling him into a hospital room and they'll come get you when he's situated. Any questions?"

"He's not going to die is he?" I asked. I couldn't help it. We were in a hospital that Johnny died earlier today in.

"Goodness no. He's pretty sick but nothing some antibiotics and plenty of rest won't cure. Any other questions?" He asked. Darry and I just shook our heads. "Well I'll check on him later in the morning to see how he's doing." He said walking away.

I looked at the clock. When did it get to be 1 in the morning? I leaned my head back in exhaustion and before I knew it tears were starting to fall. I tried wiping them away but that didn't work. It just wasn't fair. Only a week ago we found Pony in the lot after Soc's got a hold of him. Now he was in the hospital sick. Johnny and Dally were dead. Dally had just gotten out of jail eight days ago for shoplifting of all things. Johnny was there just like the rest of us.

What if we had lost Pony tonight? Could any of us have gone on?