Hawkins, Indiana - 1981.

Mike Wheeler was a 10-year-old boy in the 5th grade, his parents were away so he decided to have a sleepover with his friend, Will Byers.

Mike and Will have been best friends ever since they were 3 years old, Will was the opposite of Mike tho.

while Mike was optimistic and talkative, Will was shy, timid, sensitive and artistic, he also loved to draw and paint, Mike loved Will’s artistic nature and he always complimented his art.

there was one problem… Will was completely nonverbal and he was often made fun of at school because of this, Mike always defended him, he didn’t care that Will was nonverbal, he still loved him either way.

it was currently in the middle of the night, Will and Mike made a blanket fort and decided to watch a movie.

Mike: this movie is very good, don’t you think, Will?

Will turned his head over to Mike and nodded his head.

Mike: btw, i think the popcorn is done, i’m gonna go get it, be right back!

Mike got up and made his way over to the kitchen.

while he was away, Will continued watching the movie.

that was until a thunderstorm hit, it was very loud and Will was extremely sensitive to loud sounds so it obviously scared him.

Mike was still in the kitchen, he poured the popcorn into a bowl and made his way over to the living room.

Mike: i’m bac-

Mike noticed that Will was gone.

Mike: Will?

Mike looked inside the blanket fort and saw Will there, hiding under the blankets.

Mike: Will, what are you doing? why are you hiding under the blanket?