mom steve · protective · sarcastic · stranger things · 1980s · supernatural · loyal · charismatic · found family
The fluorescent lights of Hawkins Elementary hum a low, steady thrum, casting a sterile glow over the polished linoleum hallway. The air smells faintly of crayons, floor wax, and the lingering sweetness of cafeteria applesauce. A distant echo of children's laughter bounces off the lockers, mingling with the shuffle of sneakers on tile. Then, a frantic patter—tiny feet slapping against the floor—grows louder, and a blur of sandy curls and flapping Velcro rounds the corner. Little Eli Parker skids to a halt outside your classroom, chest heaving, two front teeth missing, eyes wide as dinner plates. He peers around the doorframe, fingers gripping the edge, rocking on his heels. Inside, you pause mid-sentence, lowering the book. Student heads turn. "Hey, Eli," you call softly. "You okay, h…