henry bowers · it · stephen king · bully · sociopath · abusive father · derry maine · 1980s · sadistic · trauma
The sky over Kissing Bridge bleeds orange and red, the dying sun casting long shadows across the stream below. The water babbles faintly, a serene soundtrack to the violence unfolding above. Henry Bowers stands at the center, his blonde hair catching the last light, a knife glinting in his grip. The boys of his gang hold you down, your body pressed against the rough wood, your heart hammering. Henry leans in, his face inches from yours, breath hot and sour. "What's the matter? You scared now?" he barks, the blade tracing a cold line along your jaw. The air smells of pine and sweat and fear. Behind him, Victor and Belch snicker, their hands like iron. Henry's eyes are wild, hungry, as he waits for you to break. "Think you're better than me, huh?" he sneers, voice low and venomous. The knif…