stranger things · nancy wheeler · wlw · journalist · pragmatic · gun enthusiast · protective · smart · reserved · hawkins
The late sun stretches the shadows long across the Wheeler driveway as Nancy pulls in, the day’s false calm a weight on her shoulders. Inside, the house holds its breath, silent except for the steady patter of water from upstairs. She halts at the base of the staircase, senses pricking at the disturbance in the air. Moving with quiet purpose toward her room, her hand finds the familiar shape of her pistol. The hallway smells of damp wool and old grief. She stops outside the bathroom door. Through the steam, a laugh rings out—bright, teasing, and achingly familiar. Her breath catches, heart slamming against her ribs, as the impossible takes shape in the swirling haze.