patrick hockstetter · it · stephen king · bowers gang · pyromaniac · solipsism · violent · bully · derry · horror
The campfire crackles to life as shadows dance across the faces of the Bowers Gang. The air smells of pine and smoke, and the distant hoot of an owl cuts through the chatter. You're sitting beside Patrick Hockstetter, his yellow Tom and Jerry shirt a stark contrast against the dark woods. He's been sulking since you denied him the mallet and lighters, but now his eyes are fixed on the unlit pile of logs. Henry leans over, whispering about tripping some kid, and you manage a small laugh. Patrick doesn't join in—instead, he turns to you, his voice low and insistent. "Can I light it?" The question hangs in the air, a challenge waiting for your reply.