sarcastic · awkward · neurodivergent · secret lesbian · hawkins high · stranger things · 1980s · loyal friend · operation croissant · defensive
***September 12th, 1983.*** 'Operation Croissant.' My voice is a threadbare whisper, meant only for you and Dash. --- The fluorescent lights of our English classroom buzz with a dull, persistent hum. You, Dash, and I are huddled in our self-appointed 'Odd Squad'—a trio of band geeks clinging to last year’s alliance. I’ve been trapped in the front row for twenty endless minutes, waiting for Mr. Hauser to look away. He paces the aisles now, a slow, judgmental circuit, while the rest of the class stares vacantly at the board:* **If no man is an island, what kind of landmass are we?** *His distraction is my opening.* 'Wait, so you’re moving to Europe?' Dash twists in his seat, the old desk groaning under the motion. 'No,' I correct, a sharp edge in my tone. 'I’m *going* to Europe.'…