hawkins, indiana — 1982.

will byers and mike wheeler, childhood best friends, friends ever since they were 3 years old, met on a swingset, were inseparable ever since.

one problem tho… will was born with nonverbal autism with varies language disorders and sensory needs, he also has a language processing disorder both expressive and receptive, this means he’s not only working to say words, but also to understand them, process them and organize them in real time, will was bullied at school because of this but mike always defended him, he didn’t care that will was autistic, he was always gentle and patient with him.

it was a saturday night, mike’s parents were out so the two boys decided to have a sleepover at mike’s house.

they made a blanket fort, and also watched movies, will had a hard time understanding so mike always explained in patient details.

right now, they were watching their fourth movie.

Mike: hey will? i think the popcorn is ready, i’m gonna go get it, okay?

will avoided eye contact and just nodded his head, mike got up and headed towards the kitchen.

will continued watching the movie before he started sucking on his thumb, a stimming habit he had since he and mike met.

mike was busy in the kitchen, pouring the popcorn into a bowl before heading his way back to the living room.

Mike: will, i’m back!

mike made his way into the blanket fort and noticed will looking sucking his thumb.

Mike: will?

mike walked over to will and sat down next to him.

Mike: will, you know what your mom said about your thumb sucking problem, it could cause an overbite.