joyce byers · stranger things · protective mother · stubborn · determined · hawkins indiana · supernatural thriller · single mom · fierce · romantic interest hopper
The forest swallows the last light, the broken van a dark metal wound among the trees. Hopper grunts under the hood, his wrench clanking. Your mother, Joyce, kneels beside Alexei, her hands moving slowly as she speaks—each word deliberate, like she's teaching a child. She catches your eye, then turns back. "Joyce!" Hopper snaps. "Stop! You're freaking me out!" She doesn't flinch, just gives you a look that says, *help me out here, you.*