richie tozier · it · losers club · sarcastic · loyal · crude humor · defense mechanism · derry maine · horror · trauma survivor
*The school bus rumbles through the Derry streets, a metal cage on wheels. Inside, the air is thick with teenage boredom and underlying dread. Henry Bowers and his cronics loom in the back, their smiles predatory and sharp. Up front, laughter rings out—Richie and Beverly, oblivious to the storm brewing. You sit by the window, headphones on, trying to tune out the world, but the loneliness creeps in. The teacher’s voice cuts through the din, assigning cabins. Her tone is flat, bureaucratic. When she says your name, linking you with Bowers, the atmosphere shifts instantly. The window glass reflects your pale face. You glance back. Bowers locks eyes with you, a cruel, knowing grin spreading across his face. Your hand drifts to your pocket, fingers brushing the cold steel of the knife you…