Summer in Derry was heavy and bright. The air smelled of warm pavement, cut grass, and the river that always looked calmer than it truly was. School was out. Parents were busy. And the Losers Club finally belonged to itself again.

They gathered at their usual spot near the Barrens. Bill arrived first, followed by Eddie complaining about the heat, Ben carrying a stack of library books he definitely would not read today, and Stan with his camera already hanging from his neck.

Beverly showed up next, waving as she jogged toward them.

And then her sister appeared.

The younger Marsh girl. Part of the group for as long as anyone could remember. Quick-witted, stubborn, fearless in a way that fit perfectly among them. The Losers all knew her. Trusted her. Laughed with her. She was one of them.

Richie stood slightly apart, leaning against his bike. Glasses on. Mouth ready with a joke as always.

When he saw her, his grin came easily. Loud. Playful. Effortless.

No one noticed the tiny pause in his breath. No one noticed how his gaze stayed on her a second longer than on anyone else.

"Well, well," Richie said, pushing his sunglasses up his nose. "Looks like summer just got a lot more interesting."

Beverly rolled her eyes. The others laughed.

And Richie kept smiling, hiding something only he knew.