Billy's gone.
Ruby Buckley's world ended with him.
But Hawkins isn't done with her yet.
When strange deaths begin again, Ruby is pulled into the heart of the storm. Between shadowy nightmares, the town's newest outcast, and someone she was never s...
( songs for the chapter) trouble // elvis presley i melt with you // modern english
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The TV droned on, its blue light flickering across the Hendersons' living room.
"Many of the residents we spoke to voiced similar concerns," the reporter's voice said, calm but weighted. "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 savior this town needs? We'll be here the rest of the day right here on Channel Nine, keeping you posted on all the latest developments. In the meantime, we recommend you keep your doors and windows locked tight. This is Beverly Moss, signing off for-"
Mrs. Henderson groaned softly and pressed a kiss to the top of her cat's head. "My heart can't take it anymore. It just can't take it," she murmured.
Dustin sat beside her, restless, his leg bouncing. He wasn't really watching the screen, his mind was already turning the reporter's words into theories, patterns, pieces of the puzzle he hadn't yet fit together.
Then the doorbell rang.
He frowned and got up, muting the TV. The sound of rain ticking against the window filled the sudden quiet.
When he opened the door, Max and Ruby stood on the porch.
Max looked drained, eyes heavy from lack of sleep. Ruby looked worse, her face pale, her eyes red and swollen, her hands trembling slightly even as Max held one tightly.
Max didn't answer right away. She just gave a small shake of her head, silently asking him not to press.
"Can we come in?" Ruby's voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.
Dustin stepped aside instantly. "Yeah. Of course."
They walked in, the smell of rain and wet gravel following them. Mrs. Henderson turned from the couch, smiling politely before her expression softened at the sight of Ruby's face.
"Oh, honey," she said gently, standing up. "What happened?"
Ruby didn't answer. She just stood there, frozen, her eyes still glassy, like she hadn't yet come back from wherever her mind had gone.
Max rubbed her back in small, careful circles. "She- she just needs to sit down," she said quietly.
"Of course." Mrs. Henderson moved aside as Max guided Ruby to the couch.
Dustin stayed near the door, unease creeping through him. Something in the air had shifted, that same wrong, electric feeling he remembered from years ago, when the first gate opened.
He didn't know what had happened yet. But he could tell from Ruby's face that it was something bad.
