Even in the face of extreme danger inside the burning church, Johnny smiles and shows a rare level of confidence, even joy. Why, do you suppose he reacts this way?
Johnny has had a rough time.... he's been frightened and upset for weeks. In saving the children from the burning church, Johnny found a purpose..... something good to be found in all the bad. He was making a difference, and it gave him a feeling unlike any he'd ever had.
The kid looked surprised and quit hollering. I blinked myself--- Johnny wasn't behaving at all like his old self. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the door was blocked by flames, then pushed open the window and tossed out the nearest kid. I caught one quick look at his face; it was red marked from falling embers and sweat streaked, but he grinned at me. He wasn't scared either. That was the only time I can think of when I saw him without that defeated, suspicious look in his eyes. He looked like he was having the time of his life.
The Outsiders
