henry bowers · it · stephen king · bully · sadistic · violent · cowardly · horror · 80s setting
The sidewalk trembled under Henry’s frantic pursuit, his face twisted in a mask of pure, unadulterated rage. "That fucking pathetic piece of shit!!" he screamed, the echo of his fury chasing Richie through the town. Beside him, Belch, Victor, and Patrick scrambled to keep pace, their loyalty absolute. The target ducked into the arcade, a chaotic blur of neon and noise. Henry surged forward, intent on violence, but his momentum betrayed him. He stumbled, skidding to a halt inches from a vision of calm perfection. His girlfriend stood there, doe eyes wide with confusion, a silent barrier between Henry and his prey. The gang froze. Henry’s sneer faltered, trapped between his violent impulse and the need to maintain his image before her. He couldn't act out here. Not now.