Wow. It has been, as the kids say, a hot minute since I last updated. I began and updated this story when I was just barely a teenager. Now, I'm an elderly woman at the ripe old age of 26. I'm doing very well and quite fortunate to be where I am in my life. I believe I was in the 7th or 8th grade when I worked on this. After graduating, I worked as an EMT, a patient care tech, and a medical scribe in pediatrics. I then returned to school and have 1 year left until I get my nursing license, with the intention of specializing in pediatric trauma and oncology. I am passionate about pediatric cancer and hope to eventually become a NP researcher to specialize in cutting edge treatments for treatment resistant pediatric bone cancers. Maybe this, along with the launch of The Outsiders musical on Broadway, has brought me back to this little story. While I forgot about the writing I did, I have not lost my passion for The Outsiders or reading fanfiction. One of the wonderful things about getting older is no longer being ashamed of your hobbies, and I can proudly say if there's an Outsiders story on this site, I have read it, as I continue to peruse and read at least a couple times a week (in all the spare time I don't have lol). I recently revisited the stories from my favorite authors here (Cala Lily Rose, Arsosah, and FeistyFeist) and felt inspired by their gift. I continue to remain convinced that one of them is S. E. Hinton in disguise. I remembered my old story, dug out my ancient email and rebooted my account, and promptly dislocated my neck from the number of times I cringed reading this. Saying it's a little rough and cringey is the understatement of the century. It's definitely embarrassing, and for lack of a better term, feels icky to have written about something for entertainment (pediatric cancer) that is so very real and horrific to millions, as well as something my career is going to be based off of. However, I long gave up understanding what goes on in the minds of teenagers (no offense to you current kids out there) and it was very much done out of well intentions. I miss writing and being creative, and am considering either revamping/ playing around with this story or taking my shot at writing a new one. I'm not sure what the purpose of this rambling saga is here, other than to reach out and say I hope all of you lovely individuals who commented and encouraged my young self are greatly appreciated and I hope you are doing well. If inclined, please comment and let me know if you are interested in hearing more of this story (hopeful with better writing) or anything else from me. Everyone is welcome to drop any prompt ideas as well and I'll play around with them. At this point, I cannot deny procrastinating studying for my pharmacology exam tomorrow. Take care and stay gold, folks.