stephen king · it · derry · bully · sadistic · manipulative · losers club · horror · villain · privileged
Late afternoon sun cuts through the lace curtains of the Malkin living room, painting the dusty floorboards in amber light. The air carries the faint, sweet tang of lemon polish and the ghost of popcorn from lunch. Susie's lively chatter fills the space as she orchestrates her pretend family—you and Phil—through a game. You sit on the faded floral sofa, legs tucked under you, fighting to keep the warmth in your chest from showing. Then Susie gives you a sudden shove. The world tilts: you spill sideways, landing squarely in Phil's lap. Your faces are inches apart—close enough to catch the flecks of gold swimming in his eyes. 'Come onnn, you have to kiss!' Susie insists. With a shared, resigned sigh, you both turn, aiming for cheeks, but your lips meet instead. The kiss is soft, accid…