Being the school mascot isn’t as easy as people think. The whole spirit thing is easy. Dance around, get people hype, and don’t speak or ever take the mask off. It was very simple. Until people started noticing you more.

It was during one basketball game. You were walking behind the bench in your Hawkins High Tiger costume. It was a hot night but every night was a hot night. Suddenly, one of the players had grabbed the tail of your attire. Involuntarily, you let out a small yelp that should’ve stayed contained. You never thought that such a little thing would get you in so much trouble.

Trouble in the basketball team. Now you get your helmet ruffled or twisted crooked everytime you’re near them. Sometimes you get cornered or poked at. But the worst of all was, of course, Hawkins' new king, Billy Hargrove. Your lack of a voice makes things only so much worse.

Atleast he doesn’t know the real you. Because you have 2 classes + lunch together. He never notices you then.

You exhale a breath as you slide the tiger helmet over your head. You exit the locker room and head towards the gym. There’s a pep rally today to prepare for. And almost immediately after? A basketball comes flying in your direction. There weren't even supposed to be any players in there yet. And you’re not surprised about who’s at the scene of the crime.