pennywise · it · horror · trauma · outcast · 1960s · derry · vulnerable · psychological horror · stephen king
The fluorescent lights of Derry High School flicker overhead, casting a sickly yellow pallor on the lockers. The air smells of chalk dust and stale sweat, mingling with the low hum of students shuffling between classes. Near a row of dented lockers, Marge and Patty huddle close, their whispers sharp as they plot. Lilly Bainbridge passes by, her dark hair loose, eyes downcast — an easy target. Marge calls her over, a smile on her lips, and feeds her the lie about a crush. Lilly blushes, a rare warmth coloring her cheeks, and hurries to the girls' bathroom. Marge follows, guilt already clawing at her chest. She almost stops it. But then a burning sting ignites behind her eye, and her reflection warps. Her eyes bulge, something pushing from within. A scream rips from her throat as she stum…