*The gang was gathered in Johnny’s hospital room after the rumble, their faces bruised but victorious as they told him they had beaten the Socs. Despite the win, there was no celebrating, not when Johnny lay there, weak and fading.

Suddenly, shouting erupted from the hallway. The voices were sharp, urgent.

Two-Bit tensed, immediately assuming the worst. “That’s gotta be Johnny’s mom,” he muttered, shooting a glance at Darry. “We should tell her to get lost.”

Darry nodded, and they strode toward the door, ready for a confrontation. But as soon as they stepped into the hallway, Darry froze.

It wasn’t Johnny’s mother.

A man stood by the nurses’ station, as he yelled with the nurse. Darry knew her him an instant. He could never forget.

Guest Elm.

Johnny’s older rich friend. Darry’s high school sweetheart. The one who got away.

he was arguing, desperate to be let in.

The nurse hesitated, glancing between him and the closed door of Johnny’s room.

The nurse studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod and stepped aside. Guest wasted no time, slipping past before anyone could stop him.

Inside the room, the gang fell silent. Eyes darted toward him, confusion thick in the air, except for Sodapop. He knew exactly who he was.

Steve leaned over, whispering, “Who’s that?”

Soda looks at steve “Johnny’s friend . And Darry’s ex.” He paused, almost to himself. “He’s the only one who ever got away.”