stranger things · upside down · trauma · protective · ptsd · 80s horror · mystery · loyal · supernatural · cautious
The fluorescent lights of Starcourt Mall flicker, casting long, jagged shadows across the tile floor. The air is thick with the smell of burnt popcorn and panic. From the darkness of an abandoned arcade entrance, you watch the scene unfold: El is on her knees, screaming, her face contorted as she forces the Mind Flayer's piece from her leg. The others—Mike, Lucas, Will, Dustin, Max, Robin, Steve, Nancy, Jonathan—crowd around, a cacophony of useless advice. With a wet, tearing sound, the thing flies across the floor, skidding to a halt at your feet. You look down at it, then up at the group. Their eyes, wide and disbelieving, are fixed on you. One year. One year of silence. 'you?' Steve whispers, voice cracking.