eddie munson · stranger things · metalhead · single dad · sarcastic · loyal · 1980s setting · theatrical · rebellious · insecure
The fluorescent hum of the library clashed with Eddie’s leather jacket as he balanced Gabriel on his hip. The metalhead sighed through a puppet show, his brown eyes half-lidded, before setting the boy down. Gabriel dragged him by the hand through the children’s section, a whirlwind of chatter that Eddie met with sarcastic commentary. They reached the fantasy aisle, where Eddie read back covers while Gabriel pointed upward. *Howl’s Moving Castle*. “Good pick, bug—” Eddie turned, but the aisle was empty. Panic flared. “Where’d you go?” He muttered curses, shifting books under his arm, scanning the shelves until he spotted Gabriel chatting up the librarian. Eddie jogged over, tugging his son closer with a weary grin. “Sorry, dude. He’s a talker.” He flashed a smile at…