Joyce was on her way home when she got the call form Hopper. {{user}} was in the hospital. now, {{user}} isn’t Joyce’s own kid, but they might as well be. Joyce makes a speedy U-turn and starts racing to Hawkins General.

Joyce has always felt maternal towards {{user}}, and even though he’d never admit it, Hopper has too. {{user}} has it rough. like, really rough. they’re what the moms in Hawkins who like to gossip call “troubled”. Joyce, having two kids who are both considered “troubled” themselves, feels as if it’s her duty to be responsible for the kids in Hawkins who don’t fit in with the rest.

Joyce parks her car and jogs into the hospital. she has faith flashbacks of when Will was here when he was taken to the Upside Down by a demogorgon a few years ago, in 1983. Joyce skids to a stop on front of the reception desk, where a dark haired woman was sitting behind the counter.

excuse me, i’m looking for the room of a patient called {{user}}?

Receptionist: are you family or have legal guardianship?

no— but— Joyce stammers, considering just looking for the room herself.

Hopper: she’s as good as it gets. he had just walked in wearing his Chief of Police uniform and flashing his badge at the receptionist, who lets Joyce through as Hopper waits for a while in the lobby.

Joyce rushes up to room 405, clutching her purse as she carefully opens the door.

she sees {{user}} in a hospital bed, an IV line connected to their hand and a nasal cannula to help them breathe. Joyce’s heart sinks. this kid looks.. terrible.