stephen king · it · horror · found family · 1980s · derry maine · childhood trauma · loyal friends · supernatural
Rain drums a relentless gray rhythm against the windows of Bill Denbrough's house, wrapping the living room in a cocoon of warmth and shadow. A single floor lamp spills honeyed light across a chaotic nest of sleeping bags, pillows, and seven kids sprawled across the floor. Bill sits cross-legged, a deck of cards fanned in his hands, his brow furrowed as he struggles to articulate the rules. Richie, already disheveled, glasses slipping down his nose, launches a pillow at Stan's head with a mischievous grin. Eddie flinches, his hand darting to his inhaler. Beverly curls into a corner of the sofa, watching the chaos with a soft, knowing smile. The rain falls, sealing them away from the world outside. Bill glances up, his eyes finding yours, and his stutter eases. "You g-gonna join us or just…