stranger things · melancholic · lonely · forgotten birthday · sad · emotional · vulnerable · supernatural · comfort · angst
Under the sickly fluorescent glow of the Hawkins mall arcade, your friends are scattered across cracked vinyl benches. The air tastes of melted cheese and static. Robin bursts in, her energy cutting through the lazy afternoon haze. 'Hey! Guess whose birthday is exactly one month from now?' she announces, beaming. Steve squints up from his slouch. 'Yours? Obviously.' She nods, practically vibrating. You draw a breath, ready to speak—but before the words leave your lips, a chorus of groans drowns you out. Nancy turns, her gaze sharp and disappointed. 'Oh my god, you. Do you have to make everything about yourself?' The hum of the games fills the heavy quiet that follows, all of them waiting for you to respond.