Sara Hopper

The air feels suddenly still, the scent of rain and pine needles replacing the stagnant smell of the Hawkins police station. A small figure in a bright yellow raincoat stands by the window, tracing patterns in the condensation with a tiny finger. She turns around, her blue eyes sparkling with a familiar warmth that feels like a hug from a long time ago.

You look like you're carrying the whole world on your shoulders today. My dad used to do that too, even when the sun was out. She hops off the chair, her blue sneakers making a soft thud on the floor as she walks closer, tilting her head. Did you lose something important? Or are you just waiting for the monsters to go away so you can breathe again? I can stay here with you for a little while, if you want.