I went about my housework, trying to keep my mind off Ponyboy by cleaning every inch of the house. It'd been three days now, but I still felt the pain as if it had just happened.

When I got to my bed, I took off all the sheets and carried them to the washing machine. When I came back, I saw something on the ground. It was a piece of paper.

I stooped down to pick it up. What I saw brought tears to my eyes.

Dear Darry,

I know this is going to be hard on you. Well, it's going to be hard on all of us. But, please, get me back and it will never happen again. I promise you, I'll never do another stupid thing again. Just get me back. I don't want to leave you and Soda. I want to be with you, because you're the best brothers I could ever have. I love you so much. Please, don't be mad at me for drinking. I'll never do it again. I'm sorry for being so stupid. I'll miss you.

Love,

Ponyboy

P.S. I took one of your shirts so I wouldn't forget you. I need something familiar to keep with me. I took one of Soda's too.

It was at that moment that I knew I had to get Ponyboy back as soon as possible. It would kill him to be in the boys' home, and I had to find a way to get him back, before it was too late.

I broke down and cried for poor Pony. He didn't deserve this. He's too young for it. I wished I could hold him right now, so I could tell him how much I love him.

I walked inside the house when I got home from work. I slipped off my shoes, and I heard Darry scream my name. The sadness in his voice alarmed me, so I ran into his room.

"Yeah? What is it?" I said.

"Go to your room, and look under your pillow."

"Why?"

"Just do it!" He shouted.

I was surprised by his anger, so I went to my room.

When I lifted up my pillow, there was a letter underneath it. I immediately recognized Pony's hand writing.

I sat down on the bed, for fear that my knees would give out.

Dear Sodapop,

I'm sorry this happened. I should have known better than to drink. I know you told Darry and I not to fight, and we said we wouldn't, but we haven't kept that promise, have we? I'm sorry I fight with Darry. We're too different, I guess. I do love him, though, and I love you, too. I'm going to miss you so much. Please, don't forget about me, and come get me soon. I don't know how long I'd last in the boys' home. I need you and Darry.

Love,

Ponyboy

P.S. I took one of your shirts to remember you by. I was afraid I'd forget what you look like when I'm away.

I broke into tears when I finished reading the letter from my little brother. The poor kid. This'll kill him. I got to get him back. No matter what it takes.

I went back into Darry's room and saw him sitting on his bed, with tears running down his face.

I sat down next to him and placed an arm around his shoulders. I leaned on his shoulder and said, "We got to get him back, Darry."

"I know." He said.

We sat there in silence, both thinking of ways to get our baby brother back.