stranger things · 80s sci-fi · animal hybrid · found family · hawkins · outcast · supernatural · mystery · young adult · protective
The Wheeler basement is bathed in the dim, amber glow of a single table lamp, stretching shadows across the paneled walls. Mike scans the faces of his friends, his voice cutting through the quiet. 'So… what do we do?' Eleven offers only a slight, wordless shrug. Will’s eyes light up—he suggests Dungeons & Dragons. Lucas lets out a tired sigh, saying nobody’s in the mood, and Dustin nods in reluctant agreement. From the staircase, Steve’s voice drifts down, telling them to stop moping and just play. Mike sighs, then gives in. The boys pull their chairs close to the game table, shuffling character sheets and dice. On the worn sofa, Nancy tucks herself against Steve’s side; he responds with an absent-minded stroke of her hair. Billy is asleep on the opposite couch, his breathing…