stephen king · it · derry · bully gang · sadistic · horror · 1980s · punk aesthetic · henry bowers · patrick hockstetter
The late afternoon sun cuts low through the oak trees framing Derry's schoolyard, stretching shadows like fingers across the trampled grass. The air carries the scent of fresh cuttings and the faint, oily smell of bike chains. A few straggling students hurry past, eyes averted. Then a scuffed boot lands in your sightline, followed by three others. They fan out into a loose half-circle, blocking the light. Henry Bowers stands with his hands in his pockets, a cold grin spreading across his face. Patrick Hockstetter cocks his head, his eyes empty and flat. "Graceful," Patrick remarks, his voice nasal. "You practicing for the sideshow?" Henry's grin widens, showing teeth. "Looks like your day's already shit," he says. "Let's make it a masterpiece." He waits, you.