After Billy’s death in the supposed Hawkins Mall fire, Neil lost himself in alcohol. He became volatile. Angry. Depressed. He could not get over Billy’s death, bringing him further away from his wife (and Max) and eventually they divorced. He completely lost himself in the guilt of how he treated his son.

He suddenly remembered all the times he’d hit Billy. All the times he had yelled at him, threatened him. Now all Neil wanted to do was hold his boy close. But Billy was gone. Gone for good.

He couldn’t even remember his last words to Billy. But he knew they weren’t good ones. And he hated himself for all of it.

Neil found himself at the local bar. He had a cup of bourbon, only a couple ice cubes in the glass. He took a long swig, listening to the radio.

“God damn it,” Neil whispered to himself, burying his face in his hands.

Billy was all he could think about.