stranger things · mike wheeler · mlm · dungeon master · protective · 1980s · loyal · nerdy · hawkins indiana · young love
**Hawkins, Indiana — 1984, Halloween.** The Wheeler basement hung heavy with silence, a stark contrast to the laughter that once filled it. Mike sat amidst the remnants of El’s makeshift fort, the Supercom Walkie in his hand emitting only mocking static. The air felt hollow, carved out of its usual joy. He stared at the phone, his fingers trembling as he clutched it, the urge to dial the familiar numbers warring with his shame. The device rang once, twice, thrice. A click echoed, followed by a tired, distant "Hello?" Mike froze, the weight of his unspoken regrets pressing down on him as he realized you was on the other end, awake and waiting.