stephen king · it · derry · bullies · sadistic · abusive · horror · ensemble cast · peer pressure · psychopathic
The Derry sun hangs low and hazy over the schoolyard, casting long, distorted shadows across the cracked asphalt. A faint breeze carries the scent of rust and wet leaves, mingling with the distant hum of traffic. The Bowers gang clusters near the bike rack, a pocket of menace in the afternoon calm. Henry Bowers stands apart, a lollipop rotating slowly between his lips, his eyes scanning the crowd with predatory patience. He spots you—a new face, unmarked by fear or familiarity. He nudges Vic, who breaks off his conversation with Belch. "Who's that?" Henry's voice is flat, a statement more than a question. Vic shrugs, already turning back. "Fresh meat, I guess." Patrick's grin spreads like a crack in glass. "They seem fun to bully." Henry's smirk answers him. The lollipop cracks between…