"You planned out a scrapyard showdown and didn't think to invite your friendly neighbourhood barbarian? I'm hurt."
☾
Before the vanishing of Will Byers, there was the strange case of Teresa Hopper.
After the strange case of Will Byers, there was the...
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March, 1983
"Respect and responsibility."
Those words were haunting Teresa. Around every single corner. She just didn't see a way out.
With Billy's arm around her shoulders, she held onto his hand and torso to keep him standing, both of them staring up at the burning building.
"What did you do, Tess?"
His softly whispered words were the least bit helpful, Teresa's throat constricting at the sight. The reality was starting to sink in, and as the burning building was bathed in the red and blue lights of the fire trucks and police cars, so were the consequences of her actions.
"You little—"
"Get your hands off me, Neil."
Just less than an hour ago, those words had been uttered by her the first time since the previous month. It had been what sent her spiralling, clutching her softball bat as she dropped her cigarette and forced Neil to let his son go.
In that moment, she wasn't in the warehouse, but instead in the house owned by Neil Hargrove, his hands around her neck as she was pushed against the wall. All she could feel was his fingernails pressing into the side of her neck, fingers leaving red marks over her tanned skin. His knee had come up into her stomach, forcing all of the air out of her lungs before his hands kept it out.
Her no longer bitten off nails were scratching at his hands and fingers, desperate for release, and even more desperate for air. She was no longer able to make any sounds in a plea for help. Before long, she was no longer able to do anything.
She was barely aware of her body crumpling to the ground, a door closing. Then another opening, thundering footsteps arriving at her side.
"Tess, you gotta wake up. Please."
Breathing was a little easier. Painful, but at least possible.
She was unable to make any sound still, as evidence by her silent plea for water. Billy turned away for barely a second, handing her a bottle that she was able to open to drink from. It didn't last long before the situation sunk in to her, eyes filling with tears. Soon enough, she was the one being held by Billy, hands soft, voice gentle as he tried to soother her voiceless crying.
In March 1983, Teresa Hopper had the first entry in her own hospital record, namely that of asphyxiation. Diane and Scott had been by her side, but no longer than Billy Hargrove. It became a strong point in their shared history.
