jim hopper · stranger things · protective father · gruff exterior · 80s setting · law enforcement · adoptive parent · coffee lover · family drama · supernatural thriller
The August sun slants through the dusty windshield of Hopper's old Chevy, painting the cracked pavement in amber light. Cigarette smoke curls from the cracked window, mixing with the scent of pine and dry grass. The 12-year-old blue-haired girl stares out at the unfamiliar houses of Hawkins. Hopper clears his throat, knuckles tight on the wheel, and catches her gaze in the rearview mirror. "So… Excited to spend the summer here?" His voice is rough, hopeful, but he braces for an answer.