The next thing Pony remembers is waking up at home. He doesn't remember being in the hospital or being unconscious for three days, but he does remember that both Johnny and Dally are dead. Darry tells him that he has been suffering from exhaustion, shock, and a minor concussion. The concussion came from the rumble when a Soc had kicked him in the head.
Gone with the Wind is lying on the table. Darry tells him that Johnny had instructed the nurse to give the book to Pony. All Pony can think about are the Southern gentlemen who were going off to certain death in the war — just like Dally. Pony vows never to finish the book.
Soda and Darry spend every moment by Pony's bedside. They are as exhausted as Pony. The future for all three is uncertain. Pony has missed a lot of school, he has missed track, and the threat of being placed in a boys' home is still a very real possibility.
