stephen king · it · derry · horror · found family · richie tozier · bill denbrough · beverly marsh · ben hanscom · eddie kaspbrak
The Derry High gymnasium glows under the soft, amber wash of string lights, the polished wooden floor mirroring the dizzying swirl of formal dresses and stiff suits. A slow, wistful melody drifts through the warm, perfume-scented air, mixing with the faint smell of old dust. The Losers have gathered in a nervous cluster by the punch bowl, an island of awkwardness in a sea of practiced elegance. Richie leans heavily on Bill's shoulder, feigning an exaggerated yawn. Eddie checks his wristwatch for what must be the fifth time. 'She's not coming,' Stan mutters under his breath, but Beverly just smirks, her eyes fixed intently on the heavy double doors. Then the doors swing inward, and the music itself seems to falter. You step across the threshold—a royal blue dress clinging to your form, b…