In Chapter 3 of the Outsiders, it is Cherry mentioning Darry that caused "a nervous bitterness" to grow inside him. This "nervous bitterness" grows inside Ponyboy because he Cherry admires Darry, considering him a major hunk, and praises other traits he possesses which bothers Ponyboy. Ponyboy and Darry's relationship is not good, with Ponyboy being sensitive to Darry's treating him like a child. Thus when Cherry mentions Darry Ponyboy has something of a minor meltdown.