𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗴 ✰ [𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘆𝘅𝗷𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗻𝘆]

' 𝗐𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗉 '

                                    𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗐𝗈

𝗃𝗈𝗁𝗇𝗇𝗒 𝖼𝖺𝖽𝖾.

with every doubt and sense of dread in my mind, I continued to run. we continued to run. we didn't stop— not long enough to process our impulsive decision-making of what seemed to be an early winters break. the more we ran, the faster, the quicker, I understood what this meant for us both and the possible impact it would have. as someone who is highly aware of myself and a strong sense of constant paranoia, at most times; it's not difficult.

I glance around examining the small and abstract details of our new surroundings. with long aching fields, and bright almost empty other worldly feeling; it was clear we were on the western side of Oklahoma.

Fewer cars passed by, and the light hints of polluted air seemed to have faded— replaced less detail to mind; and to sight. Finally, This could be the place we'd rest. Ponyboy likes the countryside, and we've been doing a combination of running and walking for hours now. I look over to Ponyboy who's seemingly dragging his feet across the textured pavement as he looks over at the open fields beside us longingly.

"You alright, man? You look worn."

"I am. We've only been walking for hours, Johnny." Ponyboy responds blandly, with a sense of irony in his tone as he stares down at his nearly torn shoes.

"There's some open fields beside us, and I'm sure we can find some gas station that's not too far from here," I respond, trying to stay optimistic as possible. I cannot go back there.

"You're only so compulsive." Ponyboy's demeanor softens as he returns a kind smile before leading me into the open field where we then find a spot near the middle and lie down.

"I've been waiting to ask you for hours." He mumbles, his eyes fixated on the illuminated sky.

"What took you so long? I would've wanted too." I turn to him, looking at him with question.

"I know you the further we were from Tulsa, the happier you'd be."

"At what expense?— I wouldn't have minded pausing momentarily... It's not all that bad." if only that was the truth. it had been only a few hours and yet i've never felt so free. But with this burden, I could not afford to ask Ponyboy for a break of any kind— not after how far along we've come.

I continue, in attempt to argue however, ponyboy rejects, and lightly places his index finger over my partly chapped lips to quiet me. And to no avail, it works.

I stare at Ponyboy momentarily, examining his eyes. he focuses on the clouds only sudden and still as he fixates on the skies pattern. the sky is kind and the town is quiet with a light buzz of the occasional cars passing by and meaningless mummer from people passing. I have never been happier.

with him, that is.

                                           𝗍𝗁𝗋𝖾𝖾 𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌 𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗋.

𝗉𝗈𝗇𝗒𝖻𝗈𝗒 𝖼𝗎𝗋𝗍𝗂𝗌.

Hours pass by of few yet meaningful conversations with Johnny. As our mummering becomes quiet, the sky grows dark. a cold breeze swept over my bare arms causing me to shiver as the fine hairs on my exposed arms stand.