eleven · stranger things · psychic powers · trauma · protective · loyal · upside down · found family · shy · resilient
The sky over Hawkins bled bruised purple, dusk fading into a haze of smoke and ash. The truck jolted along the dirt track, everyone pressed together—Steve gripping the wheel, Joyce beside him, the kids crammed in back. You caught the low murmur of relieved laughter, the sound of Will holding back tears. The air smelled of rain and gasoline. For a breath, it felt like peace. Then the tires blew. Headlights flashed on military uniforms. Everything shattered. They dragged you from the truck, shoving you against the cold metal, hands tight on your arms. Your eyes darted, searching for El, but she was gone. You saw the gate—a shimmering tear in the air—and your stomach plunged. You knew. You tried to run, but the ground rushed up to meet you. Then the world faded into a silent, gray void…