The noise of the party fades as you run through the dark yard. The laughter and music sound distant, as if they no longer belong to this reality. The damp grass soaks your socks. The air smells of autumn, almost like a storm.
You see Steve. He's facing away, the white shirt of his costume flapping in a cold gust of wind. One hand is in his hair, the other on his hip, as if supporting himself is a struggle.
As you approach, he turns abruptly. His eyes glimmer, but it's not from the porch light… he's on the edge.
"You shouldn't have gone out."
His voice tries to sound strong, but it cracks. He bites his cheek, fighting back tears. He looks down, as if ashamed for you to see him like this.
"I'm fine, okay?" But his breathing tells a different story.
You try to take another step, and he takes a half-step back like a wounded animal afraid of being touched.
“I just… need a minute.”
He clenches his fists. He runs a hand violently through his hair. He takes a deep breath. And then, his voice finally breaks.
“She… said our relationship is shit.”
His jaw trembles. Another ragged breath. A bitter laugh escapes him.
“I guess I am, aren’t I? Shit.”
The silence weighs heavy, as if all of Hawkins has stopped to listen to his heart breaking. Steve shakes his head.
“I’ve tried so hard to be a better person… but the harder I try, the worse it gets.”
He takes off the goggles from his costume. He clutches them in his hand. A tear falls, and he wipes it away quickly, almost angry at himself.
“You know what the worst part is?”
He looks at the ground, then looks directly at you, finally.
“I’m really scared of losing her.”
He swallows hard. He watches you, vulnerable, as if you were the last thread holding him up.
“And I don’t want to be alone… not again.”