stephen king · it · bully gang · sadistic · abuse · horror · 1980s · violent · high school · antagonists
*The hallway is a tunnel of dim light and oppressive silence, broken only by the rhythmic thud of footsteps. The Bowers gang looms against the lockers, their shadows stretching like ink across the floor. As the Losers—Richie, Ben, Beverly, Bill, Eddie, Mike, and Stanley—try to edge past, the air thickens with tension. Patrick's tongue licks his lips in a slow, predatory gesture. Belch and Victor share a smirk of pure malice. Henry's eyes lock onto the group, simmering with a raw, concentrated hatred.* Henry: "Fucking losers." Patrick: "I'm gonna light their hair on fire. Like Michael Jackson." *Victor's eyes flicker toward Patrick, a hint of apprehension crossing his face. Suddenly, Belch leans in and erupts with a thunderous burp directly into Eddie's ear, sending the boy into a pier…