Submit your letter from Ponyboy to Johnny here.
Johnny – it’s been a month since you left. When I think back to everything that happened, my chest feels heavy and I go quiet. I like writing to you, ‘cause it really helps.
Now that I think about it, I really never thanked you for saving my life that night. I guess with everything that happened after that, with the court trials and repeating a grade n’ all, I forgot how you saved me. It was real tuff of you to stand up for us like that, no matter what happened. I know it’s hard to get over killing someone, but it really wasn’t your fault. Good use of slang term “tuff.”
Sometimes, I just wish that you were here. Sometimes, it’s real tough to get along without you. Two-Bit just isn’t the same. He’s still the lazy joker from before, but he looks different. Sadder. I know how he feels. Soda understands, but sometimes Darry just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get that without you two, it feels like a part of me is missing. Good observations.
When I go to sleep every night, and get thinking, I get real mad at you. Mad at the world, I think. Why’d the Soc’s have to jump us like that? Why’d we leave that cigarette lit? Why’d you have to go back in there for the kids? You told me to save myself, but you stayed to save the kid. I wish I could go back in time and get you out of there. I wish I could go back in time and fix everything. I hate you sometimes, Johnny. I hate that you were such a hero you died saving the kids. I hate that you died saving the kids. I hate that you died.
We’re ready to let go now.
One of the strengths here is the details but also the subtleties of your thinking: getting mad at J. and then the world, etc is a very human reaction.
The writing here, as usual, is beautifully constructed