When Two-Bit and Ponyboy arrive at the hospital, the nurses won't let them see Johnny. However, the doctor permits their visit because Johnny has been asking for them and it "can't hurt now." With that foreboding statement, the boys go in and find Johnny awake and able to talk. Johnny knows that his condition is not good, and he is afraid of dying. He tells them that 16 years is not enough living and that it is just not fair. Johnny's mother shows up to visit him, but Johnny refuses to see her: "Tell her to leave me alone. For once." He passes out after this incident, and it is evident that he is experiencing a great deal of pain.
Pony and Two-Bit also visit Dally, who is still in the hospital. He is his old self, and resents the fact that he will not be able to take part in the rumble that night. He asks Two-Bit for his black-handled switchblade and, upon receiving it, places it under his pillow.
The boys leave Dally and decide to take the bus home. Two-Bit leaves Pony at the bus stop while he goes into the gas station for cigarettes. Pony has almost fallen asleep when Two-Bit returns, and Two-Bit questions his health. Ponyboy begs him not to tell Darry that he is ill and assures him that as soon as he takes a handful of aspirins he'll be fine and ready to rumble. Two-Bit reluctantly agrees.
