Darry becomes upset with Ponyboy on different occasions because he perceives the potential that his youngest brother has and is frustrated when Ponyboy does not utilize his gifts. In Chapter 3 when Ponyboy is out until nearly 2:00 a.m., like any parent Darry becomes worried and anxious. Unfortunately, he yells at Ponyboy out of this concern for him and his Ponyboy misinterprets this anger and runs off. When Johnny and Ponyboy encounter the Socs again at the park an unfortunate incident happens: Johnny kills Bob in self-defence. Under the advice of Dally, they head to a church in the country where they can hide.
