Chapter 12.how does the story end?

Ponyboy returns to some normality in his life. He is able to write a journal for Mr. Syme about his recent events. Hinton refers to the frame narrative when Pony, once again, starts his essay at the beginning of the story:

"When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home..."