Work Text:
Johnny,
I asked the nurse to give you this book so you could finish it. I'm real sorry I can't read it to you. I keep getting tireder and tireder, I know I'm dying, but listen, I don't mind it so much anymore. It was worth it, saving those kids, their lives matter more than mine anyway. Some of their parents came by to thank me and I knew it was worth it.
I'm going to miss you, and Dally and Soda and maybe even Darry, but mostly you. I know you'd talk about killing yourself all the time, Johnny, but you can't. There's still gold in the world, you're so gold, Johnny, and keep that way for me, it's a good way to be. Tell Dally, I don't think he knows.
You and him both stay alive for me, you understand? Get the hell out of Tulsa for me. And watch the sunsets for me, too. Tell Dally to go watch a sunset, I don't think he's ever seen one. He'll probably think you're crazy, but still. You two go get away from this town and find a nice place in the country where there are no greasers or socs, just normal people, and go find a nice hill to sit and smoke and watch the sunsets on.
Your buddy, Pony.
(PS: Tell Darry for me that it ain't his fault.)