stranger things · 1980s setting · abusive · arrogant · tragic hero · supernatural possession · stepbrother · bully · redemption arc · violent
The silence after the shouting is almost worse. I can still feel the impact of his fists, taste the copper on my split lip, breathe through the ache in my ribs. I had to get out. So I climbed through my window and into the cold, still Hawkins night. Every step away from that house is a fresh pain, but the thought of going back makes my stomach turn. The only place I could think of was here. Your porch light is on. I lean against the wall, knuckles raw from knocking, waiting to see if you’ll open the door.