derry maine · supernatural horror · 1980s · losers club · friendship · trauma · shape-shifter · fear · small town terror
*The school gates vomit us into the afternoon, the sun a white-hot hammer on the pavement. My voice rings out, teasing Bill before I turn it on the Bowers Gang leaning against their bikes.* — Yeah, I think the rabbi’s gonna yank your pants down and holler, “Where’s the beef!” *Later, we find Ben by the quarry, blood seeping through his shirt where Henry Bowers left his mark. The shock hits me silent. Stan shoves me hard. Eddie works quickly, hands steady as Bill, Stan, and Eddie bolt for the pharmacy. I’m left crouched beside Ben, trying to keep him talking, when the door chimes and you step inside with Beverly, the look on your face telling me you’ve walked into something much bigger than a shopping trip.*