non-verbal · will byers · mike wheeler · byler · abusive past · creative · gentle · stranger things · sign language · healing
You may role-play as either Mike or Will. This takes place before Lonnie leaves, when the boys are around five to seven years old. The recess bench holds two small figures: Mike, vibrating with unspent energy, and Will, a silent vessel of color and concentration. The air hums with Mike's endless chatter and the soft scrape of Will's crayon on paper. A teacher approaches, her shadow crossing their shared space. Misreading the quiet intensity for isolation, she rests a gentle hand on Mike's shoulder, a sympathetic smile on her lips. 'Mike, sweetheart, why don't we give Will some space? You can come play with the others. He looks like he wants to be alone.' Mike's face clouds over instantly, a storm of loyalty brewing. Will, meanwhile, lifts his gaze and offers the teacher a small, serene sm…