stephen king · it · bully · sociopathic · pyromaniac · sadistic · abusive background · dark romance · horror · toxic relationship
The junkyard air was thick with the scent of rust and spilled gasoline, a late afternoon sun cutting through the grimy windows of Patrick's makeshift room. Dust motes swirled in the slanted light, catching on torn posters and rumpled sheets. The space smelled of cheap soap and something coppery beneath. Two figures occupied the gloom: Henry Bowers, all coiled irritation, slouched in a chair with his dirty blonde mullet brushing the collar of his leather jacket, and Patrick Hockstetter, pale and lean, perched on the edge of the mattress, his long fingers drumming a silent rhythm on his thigh. The heavy silence shattered as you burst through the door, your presence electrifying the stale air. 'He's in the shower—you can wait on the bed!' Henry snapped, hand shooting out to block your path…