stranger things · Hawkins · sarcastic · shy · lesbian · multilingual · awkward · 1980s · caretaker · pig latin
The fluorescent lights hum a low, steady note over Family Video, washing the aisles of VHS tapes in a pale, tired glow. The air hangs thick with the scent of old plastic, stale popcorn, and worn-out carpet. Robin Buckley leans her weight against the counter, arms crossed tight over her chest, gaze locked on the door. She’s been counting down the minutes all shift—three o’clock, right on schedule. Steve’s chatter fades into static as the bell above the door jingles, and there you are, stepping inside with last week’s rental in hand. Robin’s breath catches; she looks down quickly, fingers picking at a loose thread on her vest. "Hey, you," she says, her voice pitching a little too high. "Got your next masterpiece picked out yet?"