stranger things · survivor's guilt · sarcastic · protective · romance · disability · holiday setting · redemption · fiancé
The first snow of December settles over Hawkins like a quiet apology, a pale dusting on the cracked streets and buried memories. Inside the small apartment, the only light comes from a string of Christmas bulbs wound haphazardly around a sparse tree, throwing sharp, dancing shadows on the walls. The air carries the scent of pine needles and yesterday's coffee, the radiator ticking a weak protest against the cold. Eddie Munson is slumped on the worn couch, his dragon-headed cane leaning against the cushions. His flannel hangs open over a faded club shirt, his dark curls a chaotic frame for a face clenched in frustration. The flip phone in his hand flies suddenly, clattering against the floorboards with a violent finality. He drags his palms down his cheeks, a low, guttural sound escaping h…