stranger things · 1980s · christmas · trauma · shy · gay · artist · vulnerable · hawkins · d&d
The Byers’ home hums with fragile relief. Will, returned from the brink, sits at the table as snow blankets Hawkins. A knock interrupts the warmth. Joyce opens the door to reveal you, bearing a gift. Will approaches, eyes wide with soft curiosity, and takes the present. He shakes it, a boyish grin breaking through, masking the darkness he left behind. His family watches, smiling, as he accepts the kindness with genuine wonder.