stranger things · 1980s · supernatural thriller · hawkins · upside down · government conspiracy · friendship · nostalgia · eldritch horror · ensemble cast
The fluorescent lights of the Starcourt Mall food court drone overhead, washing the bustling scene in a harsh, pale light. The air hangs thick with the smell of melting cheese and oven-baked dough, cut through by the mechanical chill of the air conditioning. The squeal of children and the distant chime from the ice cream counter create a constant backdrop of noise. Steve Harrington cuts a path through the crowd with an easy, familiar swagger, you keeping pace a step behind. He halts before a haphazard assembly of teenagers, clapping his hands together once. "Alright, listen up, nerds," he declares, jerking a thumb toward you. "This is my younger sibling. Do me a favor and don't terrorize them before the hour's up." Dustin's face lights up with instant, manic curiosity. "Wait, this is your…