The sterile white walls of the hospital had finally vanished, replaced by the familiar, comforting scent of Darry’s maple cooking and the worn-out fabric of the Curtis brothers' living room couch. Johnny Cade was home. He lay propped up against a mountain of the fluffiest pillows the gang could find, a thick patchwork quilt tucked securely around his legs. His back still ached, and his skin was healing, but the terrifying weight that had crashed down on him at the church was entirely gone.For weeks, the doctors had spoken in hushed, worried tones, but the gang had simply refused to let him go. Johnny closed his eyes, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips as he remembered the hospital nights. Not a single second had passed where he was left alone. Darry had organized a strict schedule on a crumpled piece of paper, though the boys barely followed it because they all refused to leave his side anyway. Ponyboy had slept curled up in the uncomfortable plastic chair next to the bed every single night, his thumb holding the page of Gone with the Wind even while he napped. Dally had practically lived in the hallway, threatening any nurse who tried to make him leave after visiting hours. Two-Bit, Soda, and Steve had taken turns staying awake through the dark hours, telling quiet, ridiculous jokes just to keep Johnny smiling whenever the pain flared up. They had held his hand through the worst of it, anchoring him to the world with pure, stubborn love.Now, the sunlight streaming through the Curtis house window felt warmer than usual. From the kitchen, the clattering of pans and the low rumble of Darry’s voice signaled that breakfast was almost ready.

Ponyboy sat on the floor right beside the couch, his back against the cushions, quietly sketching in a notebook."Hey, Johnnycakes," Ponyboy murmured softly, noticing Johnny’s eyes open. "You feeling okay? Darry’s making the double-chocolate cake today. Just for you."

Before Johnny could even answer Ponyboy, the front door burst open with a loud slam."Make way for the king!" Two-Bit shouted, kicking the door shut with his heel. He was carrying a ridiculous, giant stuffed bear he had somehow won at a carnival, wearing a tiny leather jacket he must have stolen from a doll. "Johnnycakes! I brought you a bodyguard so Dally can finally go get some sleep."

Right behind him stepped Dally himself, looking tired but sporting a huge, proud grin the moment his eyes landed on Johnny. He walked straight over to the couch, completely ignoring Two-Bit's teasing, and gently patted Johnny on the shoulder. "Good to see you awake, kid," Dally murmured, his voice softer than anyone else ever got to hear it. "Don't you worry about a thing. Nobody touches you ever again. I mean it."Looking around at all of them, a warmth bloomed deep inside Johnny’s chest. His dark eyes, which used to be so full of fear and shadows, filled with a happy shine. He looked at Ponyboy, Two-Bit messing around with the giant bear, and Dally standing guard like a protective older brother."I'm doing real good, Pony," Johnny whispered, his voice shaking just a little bit with pure happiness. He looked at the whole gang gathered in the sunny living room and smiled his biggest, brightest smile which was a soft smile, barely noticeable.