The twins made their way back to the living room to watch TV. Bexley went into the kitchen to fix them something to eat. She wouldn't make Soda eat anything because it would only make him vomit it up. She'd make Ponyboy something though.

She decided to make them their mother's homemade stew. Their mother had left the recipe on the fridge so they could make it on their own. She pulled out the stuff to make it which was chicken broth, beef pieces, green beans, potatoes, carrots, and corn. It also required a special seasoning that made it taste good.

As she was cutting up the potatoes, she heard the front door open. "Hey, hey, hey! The kid's alive! Where's little sister?" Two-Bit asked. "In here, making dinner," she called from the kitchen.

Bexley didn't want to be disturbed while cooking so she asked them if they could stay in the living room. Two-Bit sat on the couch next to Ponyboy, throwing an arm over his shoulders.

"Y'know kid, you really gave me a scare," he said, his voice more serious than usual. Ponyboy looked down in guilt, the same guilt but in full force. "I'm sorry," Ponyboy said, grateful that it was Two-Bit he talked to, both him and Bexley.

"Awe, you ain't got anything to be sorry for, kid. Just glad you're okay. Don't want you ending up back in the hospital again," he drew on, giving his own subtle way of being worried about him.

"How's Soda?" Steve asked, standing quietly by the hallway quietly. Steve was worried about his buddy. It was easy to tell he was based on how quiet he is.

"He's got a high fever but it's under control. You can go see him if you want," Ponyboy said. Steve went into the bedroom to check on his buddy. "Oh, I almost forgot," Two-Bit said, running out to his car.

He returned with a blue folder. "Thought we'd pick up your work from school so you can get started on it." He said, holding it out in front of him.

"Thanks, Two. I'll start today. I'm bored outta my mind," Ponyboy grinned. Two-Bit grinned back and ruffled his hair.

A little bit after four, Darry returned home from work. He looked tired and worn out from working. He smiled when he saw Ponyboy getting his homework done and saw Bexley cooking dinner for tonight.

From the smell of it, he knew that she was making their mother's homemade stew. And it smelled appetizing. He also wondered if Soda had ever woken up. He saw Two-Bit sitting on the couch watching Mickey Mouse but Steve was nowhere to be seen.

"Did Steve come by?" Darry asked. Ponyboy cleared his throat before answering, "He's in the bedroom with Soda," "Alright. Bexley, are you making enough for everyone?" Darry called. "Yeah, Dar. Figured Two-Bit and Steve were staying," Bexley replied.

Darry grinned and announced, "I'm gonna check on Soda," He made his way to their bedroom. The eldest Curtis felt the air cease as he made his way towards the bedroom. Ponyboy was doing homework while Bexley was working on dinner.

He had to see if Soda was well enough to join them. He opened the bedroom door and saw Soda sitting up. Steve sat down next to him, making sure he was okay.

"How're you feeling, little buddy?" Darry asked straight away. Soda was still pale and his eyes were red, but he looked better than the night before. "Been better honestly," Soda replied, finding it hard to swallow. His voice sounded scratchy as if he hadn't drunk any water in weeks.

Darry, as much as he wanted more answers, decided to let the subject go because Soda wouldn't let up on how horrible he was really feeling. "Bexley's making dinner tonight. It's mom's homemade soup. Think it'll be ready in an hour at least," Darry said, doing some mental math.

Soda nodded and felt his mouth water a little bit. Darry had decided to leave them alone for right now. Bexley had finished making the stew within an hour and a half. She didn't have any help but she was fine with it.

Surely their mother's stew would help Soda and Ponyboy get back on their feet because it would always help whenever any one of them were sick. Bexley wanted to make sure that her brothers would get their strength back again.

Bexley had announced that dinner was ready. Ponyboy and Two-Bit were the first ones in the kitchen. Steve, Soda, and Darry came to the kitchen. They were surprised that Soda even decided to come out to the table.

Although, Soda dragged his entire bed with him, seeing it was no justice to get him out of bed. He was wrapped up in his comforter, his body shaking underneath it. Bexley used the ladle to scoop up some stew and into six different bowls.

She set one down in front of Ponyboy, but he barely touched any of it. All he did was stir it around gently with his tablespoon. Every few minutes, he'd take small sips or bites but it would hurt his throat each time he swallowed.

Ponyboy was looking a little paler than when Darry got home. Bexley and Darry started to worry again. However, Soda refused a bowl. His appetite was suddenly gone just as fast as it came.

Bexley tried giving him some stew but he shook his head as if the thought of food was going to make him throw up there on the table. He should've been hungry at least because he didn't eat since yesterday.

Darry got him a glass of water and set it down in front of him. "Here, drink some water," Darry gently said. Soda looked up at him miserably, his eyes glassy. It looked as if he was going to cry.

As carefully as he could, Soda used both hands to bring the glass up to his lips. "There you go, nice and easy," Darry quietly praised. Everyone else was starving and scarfed down the stew that Bexley made like a pack of starving wolves.

While eating, Two-Bit was telling them about his date with some chick, a close call with those Socs, and when he almost got into an accident with his car. Needless to say, they were all laughing by the end of it.

Soda was the only one who really wasn't paying attention, but Ponyboy smiled as good as he can. Soda was close to falling off the chair he sat in from his exhausted he was. Darry got out if his chair and went over to him.

"Why don't we get you into bed, little buddy? I'll get things cleaned up in here," Darry said, anxiety spiking up. Heat was radiating off of Soda's weakened body, hitting Darry with close contact. Soda stared for a brief moment before nodding slowly.

Soda was having a hard time standing up on his shaky legs. It was as if a newborn horse was trying to stand for the first time. Darry made eye contact with Bexley and Ponyboy, getting them to come over to help their brother to bed.

They helped Soda get settled into bed and he fell asleep instantly. Two-Bit and Steve didn't realize how serious his condition was until they saw just how quiet Soda really was during dinner. No jokes were made during this.

Two-Bit and Steve bid their goodbyes for the night before leaving to go find some action. Once they were gone, the house was back to being uncomfortably quiet. However, with two sick brothers, Darry and Bexley got used to the silence.

Each of them grabbed a glass of water for them.