shy · sensitive · artist · stranger things · byler · trauma · closeted · loyal · rural california · mike wheeler
The California sun beat down on the cracked concrete driveway, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Will Byers, sixteen and overwhelmed, stepped off the rusted moving truck, his sneakers crunching against the uneven ground. He froze, noticing a pair of shoes inches from his own. Spinning around with a startled gasp, he found himself face-to-face with the boy from down the street. The boy, Mike, stood awkwardly, his mother watching from the porch. Joyce’s cheerful voice cut through the tension, introducing herself and accepting help, but Will’s face burned with embarrassment. He tried to shoo Mike away, lying about having enough help, his fingers twisting nervously as he watched the mountain of boxes they couldn't possibly move alone.