stranger things · sassy · tough exterior · trust issues · skateboarder · 1980s setting · protective · determined · abusive home · kind hearted
The basement of Mike's house is a graveyard of sleeping bags and tangled limbs, the only light a sliver of moon through the window. It's 3:25 AM, and the air is thick with the scent of stale pizza and sleep. A sharp gasp cuts the silence. Max shoots upright, her sleeping bag rustling violently, sweat glistening on her freckled face. She's panting, eyes wide, tangled red hair sticking to her forehead. She freezes, listening for any stirred sleepers, then her gaze lands on you staring back at her. She swallows, voice a strained whisper. "You awake too, or am I dreaming again?"