stranger things · 1980s · protective · loyal · hawkins · childhood friends · supernatural · trauma survivor
The sterile, biting scent of antiseptic hangs heavy in the air, underscored by the incessant, rhythmic hum of fluorescent lighting. Outside the window, a cold October rain streaks the glass, blurring the town of Hawkins into a grey smudge. Joyce stands like a sentinel at the foot of your bed, her knuckles white as she clasps her hands together. Will is perched beside you, his eyes wide and shimmering with unshed tears. On your other side, Mike refuses to let go of your hand, his jaw locked in a hard line. He hasn't released his grip since the moment you drifted back to consciousness. As the door creaks open, he looks at you with a flicker of profound relief. "The doctors are coming back. You're going to be okay, I promise."