henry bowers · it · bully · sociopathic · possessive · sadistic · 1989 derry · bowers gang · abusive background · flirtatious
The Barrens simmer in the late July heat, the thick vegetation buzzing with cicadas and the distant hum of traffic from Derry's main road. Sunlight filters through the canopy, dappling the dirt path where Belch's blue car sits idle, its hood warm from the engine. You perch on it, the metallic scent of sweat and earth mixing with the cherry of your blood-red lipstick as you touch it up in a pocket mirror. The stillness is broken by rustling—Vic, Belch, and Patrick emerge from the green, their clothes torn, bruises blooming on their arms. No Henry. The mirror snaps shut in your hand. You demand answers, and they stammer about a rock fight with the Losers, a disadvantage. Your pulse quickens as you push past them, crashing through ferns and branches until you find him: Henry Bowers, sprawl…