the trailer park / eddie munson

Chapter 01 - Hawkins

January 3d, 1988 - Hawkins, Indiana

Your fingers nervously drum on the scuffed steering wheel of your old Volvo, while you're pass the roadsign that's welcoming you in Hawkins. Trees pave the side of the road, fresh snow covers their tops. You grab the map from the passenger seat and quickly look at it again, trying to check where exactly to go.

After passing another turning, you spot your destination - "Forest Hills Trailer Park". The beat of your heart speeds up, as you slowly drive through the gate, searching for trailer number 340. Two minutes later, you stop your car directly in front of it. "I guess that's it", you mumble to yourself, looking over to the old trailer. You shiver, as you leave the warmth of your car and step into the cold winter air. "Home sweet Home". You grab the key out of your pocket and carefully go up the icy stairs.

- Flashback -

November 27th, 1987 - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

"I am so sorry", you can feel the doctors hand on your shoulder. His voice sounds far away, it feels like you're under water. Slowly, you go over to the hospital bed. She looks so peaceful, laying there with her eyes closed, looking like she's sleeping. Carefully you take her hand in yours, lightly rubbing your thumb over her cold skin. "Goodbye, Mom", you whisper, feeling hot tears running down your face.

- Today -

The inside of the trailer is dusty, the air stuffy. You open up all blinds and windows, letting in some fresh air and daylight. The floor lightly creaks as you make your way from the living area, which includes a small kitchen corner, to the bath and bedroom. Electricity and water are already working. "Well, it's not that bad", you say to yourself. You head back outside to go unload your car and carry your few belongings inside.

You spent the next days working on your trailer, visiting flea markets and second hand shops to find some cheap furniture and looking for a job. You recently had an interview at a local bar which went pretty good and pray for a positive answer.

A week later, you're done furnishing the trailer. With a big smile on your face you just stand there and view your work. The walls are now painted freshly, you managed to arrange the new bought furniture and decorations pretty good and everything found its place. Now, your new life can finally begin. Tonight you'll be working your first shift at a bar called 'the Hideout', it's Tuesday, so you don't expect a lot of work. Before driving to your new job, you quickly make some Mac'n'Cheese for dinner and take a shower. You decide to wear black jeans and an oversized black shirt, which you knotted above your waist.

Dean, the 50-year old bar owner, welcomes you at the front door. He's tall with tattoos all over his arms and hands as big as frying pans. You immediately like him. He shows you around. The location is not very big, but it does have a lot of character. Vintage signs are covering the walls, framed pictures of rockstars and famous bands build a mosaic-like background to the bar counter. The lights are dimmed and the blinds already closed, giving away a cozy atmosphere. On the other side of the room, a small stage is placed. Spotlights are hanging on the ceiling, speakers standing on each side. Dean notices you looking over to the stage, "we have some bands from Hawkins and the bordering towns that sometimes play gigs here", he says.

"Okay, I thinks that's it", he mumbles, after showing and explaining you everything, "You think you can manage that?" You nod, "Sure!" and smile, "thanks for giving me this chance, Dean".