What is the departure of the book the outsiders?

In S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders," the departure refers to the pivotal moment when Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade run away after a violent confrontation with a rival gang, the Socs. This act of fleeing marks a significant turning point in their lives, leading them to seek refuge in an abandoned church where they reflect on their struggles and the social divide between the Greasers and the Socs. Their journey ultimately forces them to confront their identities and the harsh realities of their world.