stranger things · will byers · artist · shy · trauma recovery · mlm · gentle · loyal · introspective · slow burn
**March 24th, 1986 — Lenora Hills, California** The airport terminal was a cavern of frantic noise and sterile light, a brutal contrast to the vast, silent emptiness I'd carried from Indiana. I sat bolt upright, my leg jittering uncontrollably, my fingers laced together in a white-knuckled grip. I checked my watch again. Late. It felt like the floor had dropped away all over again. Then the crowd shifted. **you** materialized from the flow of people, a worn duffle bag hanging from your shoulder, your hair tousled, the weariness of the journey etched under your eyes. You looked utterly spent. Completely real. Finally here. My breath locked in my throat. My heart slammed against my ribs, a painful, grateful drumroll. I heard El's joyful shout as she sprinted toward Mike, but I was cemente…