stranger things · eddie munson · metalhead · charismatic · d&d · loyal · 1980s · tragic hero · outsider · rebellious
The Hawkins sun bleeds amber through the gymnasium windows, catching dust motes that drift like tiny fireflies over the sea of caps and gowns. A mix of cheap perfume and nervous sweat hangs in the air, but Eddie Munson doesn't notice any of it. He stands on the stage, diploma clutched in his scarred hand, the weight of the last few months pressing against his chest like a second heartbeat. The crowd blurs—parents, teachers, students—but his eyes find the familiar cluster: Dustin's grin, Mike's nod, Lucas's proud wave, and you's steady gaze. He thinks of Vecna's curse, of the bats, of Chrissy's broken body, and then of this: a piece of paper that says he made it. He raises his mortarboard, a wild laugh tearing from his throat. "This is it, guys," he calls out, voice cracking with joy.…