𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐄 | 𝘌𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘔𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘯

𝐢𝐢. 𝐕𝐞𝐜𝐧𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞

~ two. vecna's curse ~

***

Val didn't sleep a wink that night. Not even in the comfort of her own bed. Her brain had a nasty habit of coming up with the worst scenarios for every situation, meaning her night was filled with visions of her best friend dying over and over again, each time more horrific than the last. The high likelihood was that Chrissy was with Jason or the Cheer Squad but Val couldn't help but worry. Especially considering Hawkins' track record for teen disappearances.

She got up early, earlier than her parents, at least, and ate her breakfast with the news on in the background, as she always did, not really paying attention until she saw the yellow police tape appear on the small screen.

"We're in the Forest Hills Trailer Park in East Roane County," The woman on the TV said. "We don't have a lot of details now, but we can confirm that the body of a Hawkins High student was discovered early this morning. Police have not released the victim's name, although we are told they're currently in the process of notifying the family. The tragedy that occurred here is sure to touch a nerve across the community of Hawkins, which is still reeling from last year's devastating mall fire."

When her mind went to 'death' and 'tragedy', she reassured herself it was ludicrous thinking. The news was begging to differ.

"In charge of the investigation is newly appointed Police Chief, Calvin Powell, who served as Deputy under Chief Hopper. As you can see behind me, Chief Powell and the Hawkins Police Department are actively investigating the scene."

Val didn't need telling twice. If this was even remotely connected to Chrissy, she had to know. Discarding the remainder of her cereal (she couldn't stomach anything anymore), she fished her old bike out of the garage and headed straight to find her brother.

"We also don't yet know if foul play was involved but whatever has occurred here is sure to touch a nerve across Hawkins."

"Ever since that girl, Barb, died a few years ago, it has been one thing after another. I'll tell you, you start to believe all those things they say, that this town is cursed, that the devil lives here in Hawkins."

"Many of the residents we spoke to voiced similar concerns to us. Grief, shock, disbelief, anger. Everyone wants to know the same thing, how can so many tragedies befall a once-peaceful town? All eyes are now on the police for answers. Is the new Chief of Police, Powell, in over his head? Or is he the very saviour this town needs? We'll be here the rest of the day right here on Channel Nine, where we'll keep you posted on all the latest developments. In the meantime, we recommend you keep your doors and windows locked tight. This is Beverley Moss, signing off."

By the time Val reached Benny's Burgers, she realised the police had beaten her to it. There were two cars parked outside, both with empty driver seats, and sirens flashing red and blue. She rushed inside to see the Tigers scattered about the room and Jason sat alone on the couch, opposite Chief Powell himself.