We Didn't Start the Fire

Dally took us to the Dairy Queen. In any other situation, I would have been bouncing with joy, but two things were stopping me: Being a wanted man, and going with Dally, not Darry. We got into a conversation-nay, more like a fight, about my parents. All I asked was if my parents were at all concerned about me, and Dally blew up. Man, he really freaked me out.

To divert the attention from my parents, I made a quick decision in my head and announced it.

"Me and Pony are turning ourselves in."

Pony stared at me. Sure, we'd talked about it once or twice, but never had come to a decision! I tried to lighten to mood, joking that we had ruined our hair for no reason. I received a scowl.


Dally was driving us back, when we passed the church. I saw long tendrils of smoke drifting out from the roof. I silently cursed under my breath, but Ponyboy was more responsive. He jumped out of the car, and bolted up the hill. Dally swore at him, and while he was occupied, I followed after Pony. We raced up the hill, towards the burning church. Ear-piercing screams echoed inside our heads. There were kids in the church! Parents surrounded the burning building, shrieking for their kids. Without a second thought, together, me and Ponyboy rushed towards the church. We quickly opened the door, and ran inside. All around us, flames flickered, dangerously close to crying children who stayed huddled in the corner. I looked toward Ponyboy and saw he didn't know what to do. I immediatly took control.

I ordered Ponyboy to take the children, and drop them out the window, into the awaiting hands below. I scoured the place for other children, but found none. Ponyboy was just throwing out the second last child, when there was a violent wind, and the flames picked up.

"GO PONYBOY! DON'T WAIT FOR ME!" I screamed, seeing I was about to be trapped by the blazing fire.

I took a running jump, and leapt over the flames. I was almost to the window, when a flaming timber began to fall.

I misjudged the distance.

I felt the crushing of my bones, and let out a howling cry that couldn't be heard over the weeping outside. Then, I passed out cold.

I remain,
Johnny Cade

October 28, 2008