Why doesn't ponyboy want to think about dally or johnny

Ponyboy is naive. He wants to go along with his life thinking his two group members are not dead. He doesn't want to face reality or the harsh truth.

In 2081, everyone is equal not only in the eyes of the law but in every way; nobody is smarter, more athletic, better looking, etc. than anyone else. hazel is of average intelligence, which means she can't think about anything except in short bursts, and george has an intelligence way above normal.