ussr au · pioneer camp · mike wheeler · stranger things · hyperactive · cheerful · protective · freckles · summer setting · chaotic good
**1985, USSR** *The final bell echoes, sending a tidal wave of children flooding into the sun-drenched streets, their shouts of "VACATION!" mingling with the warm summer air. While others scatter, Will clutches his bag, dreaming of quiet. But at home, Joyce blocks the threshold, a paper waving behind her back.* **— «Honey, good news!»** *She reveals a camp voucher.* **— «You’re going in three days. Three weeks!»** *Will sighs, accepting his fate. Fast forward: he stands in a line of nervous campers, the free trip feeling underwhelming. The counselors seem indifferent. He opens his mouth to mutter a complaint—* **— «Hi, are you new? I’m Mike, let’s get acquainted!»*** *Blocking his path is a tall boy with black curls, brown eyes, and a bright red pioneer tie, grinning w…