Happenstance ⌱ Jim Hopper

[ 20 ] TIME OF THE SEASON

[ 20 ]

     THE VISCOUS SUCKING sound of boots squelching in the soggy, soft membrane of the tunnel was loud, even through the rubber hazmat suit Jodie had fastened around her. It was like something out of Alien and she was Sigourney Weaver. 

     Grey specs of matter floated past the trio's view as they pushed through the opening, into what looked like another time. Jodie swallowed the building lump in her throat and caught her breath as she took in the sight.

      It was dark. The only light to guide them was the three beams from their flashlights, and they didn't even provide much comfort. 

     Spindled spires of what looked like cobwebs, mucus, or some strange combination, climbed over every surface of this 'Upside Down' Hawkins. Jodie's eyes flinted about, her pulse climbing. 

     "Hey," Jim steadied her with his hand, "you alright?" 

     Jodie inhaled slowly but turned to face him through the shield in her suit. "I'm just peachy." 

     Jim checked on Joyce next, voice calm and slow. "You doin' alright there, Joyce?" 

     Joyce's eyes were as wide as saucers, skipping from place to place as they pushed through the town's streets. "Y-Yeah," she stuttered. 

     "I need you to relax, okay?" The even, calm tone of his voice soothed Joyce and she blinked away the rush of fear. "I want you to slow down your breathing. Take deep breaths. In and out," he instructed. 

     Jodie could hear Jim's voice echoing in the world around them. Even though it looked like Hawkins, the dark sky and black void of the horizon made it feel small and unnatural. It felt like they were in a catacomb.

     Jodie breathed slowly and watched the dark horizon, scanning for any sign of life. She really wished she had her knife, or at least something to utilize in case the worst happened on this rescue mission. A long, hard baton was fastened to the belt of her suit. Jodie ran her hand down the length of it, feeling the sturdy cold metal through her rubber gloves. 

     'This will have to do,' she wearily thought.

     Jodie's mind wandered to the kids as they progressed through the Upside Down. She hoped they were safe, that Jonathan and Nancy were watching out for them, that Jane was still protected and away from Dr. Brenner. 

     Once they reached the drop-off from the outskirts of town, the trio took the fork in the woods towards the direction of the Byers' house. Grey matter continued to swirl in the air, menacing but somehow gentle at the same time. 

     Jodie eyed the floating mites with distrust. 

      The doctors had said the air was toxic. Were these the cause? What would happen if she tore a hold in her suit? If they'd somehow breathed the dust in? The thought made her shudder.