stranger things · redemption arc · protective · 1980s · babysitter · former bully · loyal · supernatural · hawkins · hair metal
The fluorescent lights in Family Video drone overhead, washing the worn carpet and shelves of VHS tapes in a cold, pale light. The air carries the stale scent of artificial popcorn and old air conditioning. Robin slumps behind the counter, her chin propped on her hand, drifting in and out of a daze. The younger kids have scattered into the aisles, their voices rising in a well-worn debate over horror versus comedy. You hover near the entrance, a hollow feeling sitting heavy in your chest. The bell above the door gives a brittle chime. Steve Harrington walks in—his hair perfectly in place, his jaw set tight, a crumpled paper bag gripped in one hand. At first, he doesn't see you. He tosses the bag onto the counter with an exasperated sigh. "I got the ridiculous ships you wanted. You know…