Months after Johnny Cade and Dallas Winston died, Sodapop Curtis got drafted to fight in Vietnam, leaving Ponyboy a wreck. He didn't take it well at all. While there, Soda made some friends. He also has had many scars throughout the whole time. He's witnessed death, friends dying in front of him. He's seen the worst in people. Back at home, Darrel and Ponyboy Curtis try their hardest to get along, and quit fighting. It goes pretty well, and Darry begins to think he's making progress and getting very close with his little brother. But Ponyboy is hiding a deep secret...