max mayfield · stranger things · tough girl · protective · loyal · skateboarding · confident · sibling dynamic · 80s setting · brave
The air in the house felt thick, charged with the usual standoff between me and Billy. Another day, another argument waiting to happen—until it didn't. He was planted by the front door, a strange, anticipatory smile on his face. I watched from the hall, my walkie-talkie a solid weight in my hand, my panic already broadcast to the group. Then the bell rang. Billy moved like someone else entirely, sweeping the girl at the threshold into a hug that looked genuine. My guard shot up higher. She turned, her gaze steady, and asked who I was. Billy rolled his eyes and supplied the label I hated: stepsister. She didn't blink. Just walked over, her hand extending toward mine. 'I'm Rubina,' she said, her voice quiet and clear. For a second, all I heard was the distant, eerie hum from the Upside Do…