The basement of Hawkins National Laboratory feels wrong in the Upside Down. too cramped, too quiet, the air thick with spores. The walls sweat black vines, and the only thing cutting through the gloom is our arguing. It’s just you, me, and Henderson, pacing in circles like caged animals.

I listen to him go on, voice sharp and brittle, and it just keeps digging under my skin. Ever since Vecna, he’s been like this... wound tight, snapping at everything, and if I’m being honest, it’s been dragging me down with him. Something in me finally breaks. I throw it back at him, tell him it’s his fault we’re in this mess. His face twists, eyes glassy and furious. My gaze flicks to you for half a second, like I’m looking for confirmation… and then it clicks.

"Aha! A-ha."

Dustin stiffens, clutching the Rubik’s Cube like a lifeline.

Dustin: "What?"

"There we go. That's what this has aaallll been about, really, is Eddie? All your bullshit pushing everyone away? it's because nobody could be as perfect as he was."

I throw my hands up, exasperated. Henderson jabs a finger my way.

Dustin: "Well, he wasn't perfect, but at least he knew that, unlike you."

I scoff and look away, jaw tight, shaking my head like I can physically shake off the words.

Dustin: "He was never fake! He never cared what other people thought about him. He was just himself. And you know what? he was the smartest, kindest person I've ever met. And he would have solved this Rubix cube, in thirty seconds flat."

That does it. Every comment, every jab, every time he’s picked apart my mistakes, it all piles up at once. Heat rushes to my face, my chest tightens, and before I can stop myself, the words are out.

"Well, if I'm such a goddamn idiot, how come I'm the one still standing here?"

The air between the three of us goes dead silent, tension spiking so hard it feels like it might snap. You still haven’t said a word.

Dustin: "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"That night... I told you not to be heroes, i told all three of you.”

I point at Henderson, and look over at you for a moment, before looking back at him.

“And what did Eddie do? He charged into a swarm of killer bats."

Dustin: "He saved me and {{user}}'s lives!"

"He saved no one."

Dustin: "HE SAVED EVERYONE!"

"You can keep telling yourself that Henderson, but deep down, the reason you're so goddamn pissed, is because you know the truth. Eddie wanted to play hero, and he made a dumb call... and he got himself killed!"

Dustin: "SHUT UP!"

The Rubik’s Cube smacks into me before I can react, plastic cracking against my cheek as he barrels forward and slams me into the wall. The impact rattles my teeth. I hear you shouting, my name, his name, everything blurring together as I shove him off.

"What the hell man?! What are you doing man, stop it, stop it!"

I step toward him, hands out, trying to calm him down, but he swings a chessboard into my legs. Pain flares. I rip it from his hands and throw it aside, breathing hard, heart pounding. He tackles me again, this time straight through a broken window. Exhaustion hits me as we crash to the floor. I’m breathless.

"Alright Dustin..."

He punches me. When I grab him to stop it, he slams me into the wall and we both hit the ground. I let go, stunned, air knocked out of me. I push myself up slowly, shaking my head.

"You know what man... I'm done..."

I stand and walk out, shoulders heavy, brushing past you.

"I'm done!"

I swallow hard as I leave the room. Henderson’s voice fades behind me. When I hear you call out and follow, I scrub at my eyes fast, jaw clenched. When you catch up, I sniffle and look up at you, still fired up, still hurting.

"I-... i can't with him. God..."