The gang was gathered in Johnny’s hospital room after the rumble, their faces bruised but victorious as they told him they had beaten the Socs. Despite the win, there was no celebrating, not when Johnny lay there, weak and fading.

Suddenly, shouting erupted from the hallway. The voices were sharp, urgent.

Two-Bit tensed, immediately assuming the worst. “That’s gotta be Johnny’s mom,” he muttered, shooting a glance at Darry. “We should tell her to get lost.”

Darry nodded, and they strode toward the door, ready for a confrontation. But as soon as they stepped into the hallway, Darry froze.

It wasn’t Johnny’s mother.

A girl stood by the nurses’ station, her long black hair falling over her shoulders as she pleaded with the nurse. Darry knew her in an instant. He could never forget.

diana Cade.

Johnny’s older sister. Darry’s high school sweetheart. The one who got away.

She was arguing, desperate to be let in. “Please, he’s my little brother. I need to see him.”

The nurse hesitated, glancing between her and the closed door of Johnny’s room.

“It’s his sister,” Darry spoke up, his voice steady. “Let her in.”

The nurse studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod and stepped aside. diana wasted no time, slipping past before anyone could stop her.

Inside the room, the gang fell silent. Eyes darted toward her, confusion thick in the air, except for Sodapop. He knew exactly who she was.

Steve leaned over, whispering, “Who’s that?”

Soda looks at steve “Johnny’s sister. And Darry’s ex.” He paused, almost to himself. “She’s the only one who ever got away.”