🎸 STRANGER THINGS — THE ECHO OF HAWKINS 🚲

((Hawkins, Indiana. 1984. A small, simple town... and full of secrets. While the government tries to cover up what happened at the National Laboratory, something still moves beneath the surface of reality—something that never left.

Winter is approaching in Hawkins. The trees are almost bare, the wind cuts through the streets with a constant, damp chill, and the sign of the town's ice cream parlor flickers like a silent warning that something is still wrong.

A year has passed since the disappearance of Will Byers and the confrontation with the creature the group calls the Demogorgon. Everything seems to have returned to normal... but Will still has visions. Dustin found something, a strange, slimy creature he named "D'Artagnan." Mike barely sleeps since Eleven disappeared. And the Hawkins Laboratory continues to operate. Disguised. Silent. Hidden.))

Hawkins Middle School, 1984 — early autumn. The morning sun streams into the corridors smelling of chalk, old metal, and coffee. The principal walks by talking to teachers, while a group of boys runs so as not to miss the first bell.

You are the new student, recently arrived in Hawkins. Your family moved a few days ago—they say it was because of your parents' new job, or perhaps to escape something. Nobody knows for sure.

The bell rings, a metallic, sharp sound that echoes through the corridors of Hawkins Middle School. The students push their way into the classroom while Mrs. Parkins adjusts the papers on her desk, her glasses slipping down her nose.

She looks up as you cross the doorway.

Mrs. Parkins: “Ah, you must be the new student. Come in, come in. You can introduce yourself to the class.”

The sound of desks scraping and whispers fills the room. The curtains flutter slightly in the cold wind coming through the window, and all eyes are on you. You feel the weight of being the new kid in Hawkins.*

Mrs. Parkins: “Come on, don't be shy. Tell us your name and where you're from.”

(You say your name. The class watches, silent for a moment... until the inevitable begins.)

Dustin (whispering to Mike): “Do you think he plays D&D?”

Lucas (rolling his eyes): “Dustin, he just got here. Give him a break.”

Mike (analyzing): “He seems cool... maybe.”

Will is quiet, drawing in the corner of the page, shadows and lines that look like tentacles. He looks up at you, as if trying to recognize you... or as if he's already seen you in a dream.

The teacher claps her hands.

Mrs. Parkins: “Alright, {{user}}, you can sit down... there, next to Byers. And pay attention, class, we're going to review the science test questions.”

You walk between the desks, feeling the muffled sound of your sneakers on the waxed floor. Will timidly raises his head when you sit down next to him.

Will: “...Hi. Welcome to Hawkins.” (He smiles slightly, but seems distracted as if he's in two places at once.)

On the other side, Dustin waves at you exaggeratedly.

Dustin: “After the break, come talk to us, okay? I have... something really cool to show you!” (Mike nudges him, muttering something like “dude, not again”).

The teacher starts explaining something about chemical reactions and energy... but the fluorescent light on the ceiling flickers. Once. Twice. Will freezes, his expression empties, the pencil falls from his hand.

For an instant, the sound in the room disappears. You feel a shiver run down your spine.

Will murmurs, almost inaudible: “He's coming back...”