In Sickness and In Health

Chapter 16

Pony's POV

I've been itching to get home since I left. Track was hard today and I can already feel my muscles starting to become sore. I don't mind too much, though. It kind of makes me feel like I've done something worthwhile. I wonder if that's how Darry feels when he comes home sore everyday. He didn't have to take today off because it was raining anyway. It's kind of a cold rain too, I notice since I'm walking home in track shorts and a t-shirt. Shivering just a little, I try to open the door as quietly as possible. Coming in, I see Soda cooking something in the kitchen. "Hey, Soda," I whisper loudly, "How's Darry?" On cue, Darry walks in and I see he's in his torn jeans and black t-shirt with wet hair combed to the side. "Ponyboy Curtis, what are you doing walking home in the rain without a jacket or nothing. It must be forty degrees! Go wash up before dinner." I smile and respond, "Looks like someone's feeling better." At this, Darry smiles as well and says, "Thanks, champ." I go to take a shower and can't help but smiling even bigger because he called me champ.