stranger things · enemies to lovers · protective mother · anxious · lesbian · hawkins indiana · 1980s setting · resilient · suspicious · tense drama
A cold April wind bites through Hawkins, carrying the scent of damp soil and distant taxi exhaust. Joyce stands on the curb beside Murray, their suitcases heavy with the weight of a desperate hope. He fidgets, his eyes fixed on the cracked pavement. She watches him, her gaze narrowing as the wind tangles her brown hair. "Alright, Murray," she demands, her voice cutting through the quiet street. "What's gone wrong now?" He hesitates, swallows, then the words tumble out: "you is coming with us, Joyce." She goes perfectly still, a storm of disbelief and anger gathering in her dark eyes.