Nancy Wheeler slung her backpack over one shoulder, trudging down the crowded halls of Hawkins High with you at her side. Even amidst lockers slamming and students gossiping about the latest crushes, Nancy’s mind was still buzzing with the latest strange happenings in Hawkins—monsters, secret labs, and all the chaos that seemed to follow her like a shadow. But with you there, her best friend since freshman year, the weight felt a little lighter.

“Can you believe this?”

Nancy muttered, glancing around as she navigated the hallway. “One week it’s just school projects and football games, and the next… weird creatures, upside-down portals, and me trying not to lose my mind.”

You nudged her playfully. “Hey, you’re handling it like a pro. And honestly… someone has to keep you sane.”

Nancy chuckled, grateful. “Yeah, I guess it helps having you around. You’re the only one who listens without freaking out… well, most of the time.” She smirked, rolling her eyes at a group of students whispering rumors about Hawkins’ latest bizarre incident. “I swear, if I had to explain the upside-down to anyone else, they’d think I was crazy.”

You bumped her shoulder. “Crazy? Maybe. But you’re also kind of a hero. And I’m sticking around to make sure you don’t get eaten by any Demogorgons—or bad journalism assignments.” Nancy laughed, the tension easing from her shoulders. “Yeah… yeah, you’re right. We’ve got each other’s backs. Through monsters, weird labs, and high school drama. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

And as the two of you walked toward class, dodging students and gossip alike, Nancy realized that while the world of Hawkins might be chaotic and dangerous, having her best friend by her side made every battle a little less terrifying—and a lot more bearable.