𝕕𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕕 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕𝕤: 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟜: 𝕀𝕔𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕕

Tommy assumed that his parents were taking a much needed vacation away from Hawkins (in reality, his parents were taking vacations from each other), just like he assumed that Darcy was leading him away from the party to make out. He drunkenly stumbled over his own feet, laughing.

"Darcy, there were spare rooms upstairs." It was late already, almost two in the morning, and Tommy knew he had to bring his party to a close, but Darcy insisted—or was it the other way around? He couldn't tell, his thoughts were scattered like the stars above.

"They're all taken." Despite her impressive keg stand, her words didn't slur, and her footsteps were sure and steady. And with the summer heat, Darcy's hands were as cold as ice.

Tommy had invited Darcy after meeting her at the community pool earlier in the week. He'd been in a chicken fight with his fellow Hawkins High alumni, and Darcy didn't hesitate to join in. He liked her competitiveness, but it seemed like the party animal he'd invited had turned a new leaf.

Darcy continued tugging on Tommy's hand as they wandered through one of Hawkins' many thickets until they reached the old Brimborn Steel Works. Suddenly, Darcy's grip on Tommy's wrist tightened.

Tommy laughed, a bit sober and nervous now. "Uh, Darcy? This isn't Skull Rock or Lover's Lake—"

"I know." Rats scurried past their feet, and despite himself, Tommy shuddered.

They stopped in the middle of the old steel mill. With its rust and old age, it looked like it would collapse at any time. The strong stench of fresh roadkill gagged Tommy. Darcy walked a few paces more and stopped to face him.

"Don't worry. This won't hurt at all."

If Tommy were able to recall the last three things he experienced, he'd list them in this very order:

A growl.

His own muffled scream.

And Darcy's dull, unbothered gaze.