Two-Bit stayed for awhile longer. He tried to be his funny old self but I could tell he was having a rough time seeing me like this, so I let him go. Steve saw me a little while after Two-Bit left. He basically apologized for being a jerk to me all those years and went on his way. Well, it's the thought that counts I guess. Then, to my surprise, Dally visited me. He just walked in, with a cigarette in his mouth.

"You probably shouldn't smoke around me." I said to him. I didn't say it cause it could effect my health or cause it reminded me of the fire. I told him that cause I was craving a cigarette for the longest time and didn't wanna be reminded of them.

"Yeah sure." Dally said and just took another drag. Sometimes I wonder how I tolerate him. I mean he's a nice guy when he wants to be, but the problem with that is he hates being a nice guy. He's always putting on his tough guy act, I think the gang are the only people who have seen the guy whose behind it.

It was quiet for a minutes. I really get tired of these awkward silences everytime someone comes to see me. Dally just kept taking drags of his cigarette while I just sat there and watched. He finally finished it, put it out, and threw it into a trash can in the corner.

"Bet nobody told ya that the rumble is happening tonight." He finally said.

"Um, no." I answered honestly. To be honest I totally forgot about it till he mentioned it. I had other things on my mind.

"Well yeah, tonight at the vacant lot. No weapons, according to that redhead." He explained. I hate how he won't even call her by her name, when he knows perfectly well it's Cherry. "Guess you're not coming." He said.

"Does it look like I could be able to?" I asked, getting a little angry.

"Whoa, man, relax. Johnny said he won't go too. I don't know what the hell is up with him. He's refusing to fight."

"Maybe he's just realized that it's worthless. No matter whho kicks whose ass, there won't be a real winner. And people will just find another reason to fight." I said to him, finally glad to get that off my chest. I remember Johnny saying fighting was useless when he was in my spot. He probably had a lot of time to think about it, like I have now.

Dally was about to say something, but I got out of breath and blacked out before he could say anything.

The next time I came to, the doctor was in the room. "What's up?" I asked in a weak voice. The pain was now worse than ever. I kinda had a feeling I knew I was dying. Tonight. The night of the rumble. Like the way it was with Johnny. If the doc was here to tell me that, I didn't need to hear it.

"A friend of yours is here to see you. Said his name was Johnny Cade. I don't think he should though."

"No, please. Let him in." I said. The doctor had a look has he left the room. A few moments later Johnny came in. He was wearing his denim jacket, his hands pushed into the pockets. His hair was greased differently since his hair was now shorter. He looked more like a scared puppy then usual too. "Hey Johnnycake." I said greeting him with his old nickname.

"Hi Pony." He said. He slowly came over and sat down next to me. "Well, how you've been?"

"Alright I guess, I'm paraylzed from the waist down though."

"Yeah Soda told the gang already." He was quiet for a few minutes. "I brought you something."

"What?" I asked. He opened up his jacket and pulled out a book. Gone With the Wind.

"The other copy got destroyed in the fire." Johnny said.

"Keep it, I want you to have it." I told him.

"No, no, you know I'm a lousy reader."

"Please, keep it." I said.

"Well, alright. If that's what you want." He said and placed the book in his lap. I sure hoped Soda or Two-Bit or even Darry would be willing to finish it for him. They don't really dig reading, but I know they'd all read it if Johnny asked them to. "Guess you heard about the rumble. It's happening in a few hours."

"Yeah, Dally said you're not fighting."

"Well he's right. Fighting's useless, I decided." He answered.

"Don't worry, I agree with ya. Look where it got us."

"Yeah, you in a hospital rotting away. I should be the one in that bed." He said standing up. That got me upset.

"No, Johnny, you don't deserve anything bad to happen to you."

"Well neither do you! You're a good kid Ponyboy. You ran away with me. You're the one who ran into the fire first. I'm nothing but trash. Why else would my parents beat me, or stab a Soc?" Johnny said getting upset.

"You didn't mean to hurt that Soc. You were helping me, remember? And you're parents are the ones that are trash, not you. You're a good kid too, Johnny. Maybe even better than me."

"Yeah but you have more to live for than I do!" Johnny said. I never thought of that till now. Now I was starting to really regret this wish. Johnny began to head for the door.

"No wait, Johnny, please stay with me." He turned around.

"Why?"

"I don't wanna be alone. Just stay till we find out what happens at the rumble." Johnny was quiet for a minute.

"Alright, I'll stay." And my best friend sat back down next to me and stayed.