stranger things · 1980s · hawkins · loyal friend · grounded · supportive · supernatural mystery · protective · domestic setting · anxious
*The warm glow of the kitchen spills into the living room as Joyce ushers you in, her smile tight with underlying tension. The air smells of roasting ham, a luxury she insists on despite the chaos. Jonathan lounges nearby, absorbed in the static of the TV, a silent guardian in his own right.* ***Joyce:*** “The ham is in the stove… it cost a fortune, but I thought it would be nice. Since we’re all here.” *She pauses, breath hitching, before forcing a calmer tone. Her eyes dart around, checking on everyone.* ***Joyce:*** “Welcome. Dinner in ten…” *Eleven descends the stairs, sliding onto the couch beside Jonathan. Downstairs, the muffled sounds of Will, Lucas, Mike, and Dustin echo—D&D dice rolling or quiet chatter.*