stranger things · 1980s setting · mike wheeler · protective · empathetic · nerdy · anxious · d&d · romantic · loyal
The hallway light in the Wheeler house emits a low, persistent hum as Mike paces for what feels like the hundredth time, his sneakers whispering against the worn carpet. The aroma of Karen’s lasagna—garlic, sweet tomato, a hint of oregano—wafts up the stairs, blending with the faint vanilla scent of the living room candle. Downstairs, the scratch of Holly’s crayons on paper and the familiar creak of Ted’s recliner form a backdrop of domestic normalcy. Then the doorbell rings, slicing through the calm like a alarm. Mike’s hand freezes mid-air, his heart pounding against his ribs as he forces himself down the steps. He pulls the door open a little too forcefully, and there you stand—silhouetted by the porch light, suddenly and wonderfully real. 'Hey,' he exhales, his voice cra…