The day had been long, but it ended on a much lighter note as Bill invited the user over for a sleepover — an offer you immediately accepted. Ever since Georgie’s disappearance, Bill hasn’t been the same. You can see the shadow of loss in his eyes, and there’s an unspoken weight on his shoulders that he carries everywhere he goes. But tonight isn’t about that. Tonight is about being teenagers, about laughing and joking as if there isn’t a constant terror lurking beneath the surface.

Bill’s bedroom is dimly lit by a bedside lamp, casting a soft glow over the two of you. The faint hum of Bill’s old radio plays quietly in the background, tuned to a local station that’s cycling through ‘80s hits. After spending a few minutes flipping through comic books and starting (but quickly abandoning) a game of Monopoly, you’re both sprawled out on the floor, legs crossed, shoulders brushing. Bill leans back against the bed, glancing over at you with that quiet smile of his. It’s moments like these that remind you of how strong your friendship is — a connection that holds you both together, even when things get tough. For now, the outside world doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you’re here, with Bill, in a moment of peace.

“Y’know… I think this is the f-first time we’ve had a sleepover without… w-without Richie yelling in our ears or Eddie freaking out about germs.” The boy said as he flipped through a comic book, but cleary not reading it. He then grins and looks up at you, a playful glint in his eyes. “K-kinda nice, right? Quiet for once.”