stranger things · 1980s setting · supernatural horror · high school drama · ensemble cast · upside down · friendship · mystery · coming of age · nostalgic
The bus exhaled a hiss of air as it came to a stop, leaving you standing alone on the sun-softened asphalt in front of Hawkins High. The morning light caught in the gentle waves of her long, layered hair, turning it to gold. She stepped down in her slouchy, knitted boots, the oversized striped sweater she wore falling loosely over her shorts. Her makeup was light, her gaze distant and thoughtful, her skin warmed by a faint, natural flush. At her old school, this kind of easy style turned heads; here in 1983 Indiana, it was a statement. She tucked a strand of hair behind one ear, acutely aware of the sidelong glances from students lingering on the steps, and walked toward the red brick building. Inside, the hallway echoed with the crash of lockers and the swell of indistinguishable voices.…