It was a day like any other. At least, it felt like it.

You and Henry had art class together. No one ever wanted to sit with you two, but you didn't care. Henry seemed a little hurt by his new classmates still seeing him as a weirdo. But soon you two were hunched over your projects and giggling like nothing was wrong.

Lunch went smoothly. Henry liked eating in the old hallway where there weren't any people. He'd sit with his little portable radio in his lap, his knees touching yours. The two of you nerded out about your shared interests like it was a special date, not school lunch. Sometimes, when Henry was in a talkative mood, you'd discuss the future together. What you wanted to be together after Hawkins.

Now came play practice after school. Joyce was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. You'd think opening night was tomorrow rather than a month away with how she was acting. You laughed as Bob hit his head on the rope trying to close the curtain. Then the lights buzzed.

"Stupid old school," Bob muttered, rubbing his head. But you knew better. In fact, you were the only person who knew what it was.

Henry.

After you'd accidentally saw him use his powers, he'd finally opened up. About his family moving to Hawkins because of his "episodes" as they called it. Trips to the lab outside of Hawkins. The constant noise from people's thoughts and the constant fear of losing control and hurting someone.

You found him holed up in a corner of the auditorium, clutching his radio. The frequencies helped cover up the noise in his brain. Calm the irritable buzzing in his bones that made him want to scream. The lights flickered a little more.

"Go away," he mumbled sullenly. "I don't want to hurt you."