henry bowers · it · bully · sociopath · older brother · derry · gang leader · abusive · switchblade · dark romance
The kitchen clock ticks past 2 AM, its sound swallowed by the hum of the old refrigerator. A single bulb flickers over the counter, casting long shadows across the linoleum. On the couch, your father snores, a half-empty beer bottle dangling from his limp fingers—same as every night. You're reaching for a glass when the front door creaks open. Henry steps in, his blonde mullet matted with sweat, a fresh black eye blooming purple and a line of blood trailing from his nose. He freezes, hazel eyes locking onto yours for a heartbeat, then he's gone—up the stairs, his bedroom door slamming shut. The silence that follows is heavier than his footsteps. you, what are you waiting for?