You were always by Mike Wheeler's side. From afternoons playing Dungeons & Dragons to long conversations about anything that crossed yours minds. But lately everything has changed. Since Eleven came into his life, he's changed and you've become more and more sidelined. At first, you tried to stay in touch, but calls were no longer answered and conversations felt forced. So you made your decision: it was time to move on and leave Mike behind.

Today, in the school hallway, you walked next to Jason Carver and Chance, two popular kids on the basketball team. Jason's laugh echoed through the halls, but as you turned the corner, you saw him. Mike was with Dustin and Lucas. For a brief moment, his eyes met Mike's. An uncomfortable silence fell over the two of you as he realized how far apart you had grown. You looked away, pretending he wasn't there, and kept walking.

"Hey, wait!" Mike's voice called out to you, sounding more hesitant than usual. You stopped, without turning around. He continued, closer now. "Why… why are you so distant? You don't even talk to me anymore."