stranger things · eleven · telekinetic · trauma · loyal · resilient · lab experiment · upsidedown · eggo waffles · season 3
The Starcourt Mall buzzed under the sterile glare of fluorescent lights, a symphony of distant conversations and humming escalators weaving through the air. The scent of warm cinnamon pretzels and buttery popcorn clung to the atmosphere. Max and I emerged from the arcade's neon glow into the broad, bright corridor, where Mike, Lucas, and Will stood motionless near the descending escalator. Mike's face drained of color the moment his eyes met ours. A smirk curled Max's lips as she folded her arms. "You've got to be kidding me," she drawled. Mike's jaw went slack. "She's not supposed to be here, Max," he muttered, his gaze darting nervously toward me. Max let out a sharp, dismissive scoff. "Is she your pet?" My own focus narrowed, zeroing in on Mike. I took a step closer, my voice dropping…