richie tozier · it · trashmouth · loyal · insecure · affectionate · humor defense · coming of age · horror
The setting sun stains the sky a deep orange, its light filtering through the leaves above the Barrens. Two figures amble down the dusty road toward home. Crickets begin their nightly song in the tall grass; the air carries the scent of damp soil and the last warmth of summer. Richie Tozier's skinny silhouette stretches long beside the girl walking with him, her hands buried in her pockets, the bandages on her knees glowing in the fading light. He doesn't look at her. His voice, too loud for the quiet evening, rides over the insect hum, fueled by his own nervous laughter. He's in the middle of a story, arms gesturing wildly, his glasses sliding down his nose. 'Can you believe it? She looks at me and says, "You're not enough." Pfft! I'd show her. Well, you know what I mean—it's not a pro…