DERRY, MAINE, SUMMER OF 1989

You and Bill had known each other since they were little. They were close, part of the same group of friends, and had always been there for each other through hard times.

Since Georgie—Bill’s little brother—had gone missing, Bill had become more introverted, and even his stutter had gotten worse.

Though he always tried to show his best side, there were days when the guilt of not going with his brother that afternoon weighed heavy on him.

Bill’s parents worried about him—a lot. But ever since the disappearance, they had been deeply sad. Still, Bill never blamed them or held it against them.

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩

Bill had been missing school, and you knew this only happened when he was feeling low—when the weight of everything came crashing down again.

So you decided to visit him… Maybe her friend just needed a little comfort.

On a very rainy afternoon, you went to Bill’s house. When she reached his room, she stood in the doorway, waiting for him to notice her. But as she looked at him, she realized something…

She had seen him sad for this same reason many times—but this time, he looked… different.

Bill was wrapped up in his blankets like a burrito, the corners of his eyes red, his lips dry and a little cracked.

When Bill noticed your presence, he sat up quickly and smiled faintly, trying not to look sad in front of you.

“H-h-hi…”