Surviving Hawkins (Stranger Things Story)

Chapter 8

As they pulled into the cemetery, getting out of the car and walking over to where everyone was, keeping some distance. Robin grabbed Nancy's hand, as a sort of 'thank you' for being there. Nancy squeezed her hand, as to say 'you're welcome'. Silence falls once again, but it's not awkward. It's almost comforting. The three of them stand there for what feels like an eternity before the large group of people move back to their cars.

When everyone has left, the three of them walk over, standing in front the grave, the shiny maroon casket showing their reflections. A test slides down Nancy's cheek, as she says something under her breath. Robin gently places her head on Nancy's shoulder, as they both start to cry. Steve stands next to them, saying something under his breath as well.

As she stood there, watching the three of them, a small laugh came from her mouth. "What are you laughing about?" A voice emerges from behind her. Eddie. "The irony of the fact that, a year ago, I was so against risking my life to save anyone. And now I'm dead because I ran straight into the fire without thinking twice. Because I refused to let anything happen to Robin. And everyone else." Elyse said, as she walked towards the three of them standing in front of her. She mumbled something indistinctly to each of them. And before walking away, placing a gentle kiss on robins cheek. And as if she could feel it, a small smile grew on Robin's face. As Steve and Nancy started to walk back to the car, Robin stayed for a moment more. "Robin?" Nancy said, her head tilting in confusion.

Robin didn't answer, she simply took the engagement ring off her finger, holding it for a moment. In one fell swoop, she threw it into the grave. A single tear fell down her cheek as she turned to meet up with Nancy and Steve. As they got in the car, Robin let out a sigh. They drove in silence. Nancy dropped Steve off first, then Robin. As she got out of the car at the house, her mind was wandering. When she entered the house, her mother yelled from the kitchen. "Hey, Nancy, there's some letters on the coffee table for you." As she glanced at the table, there were 6 letters. She grabbed them, then walking up the stairs to her bedroom.

She closed her door, making her way over to her bed and plopping down. As she looked at the six letters, they simply had names written on them. As she got to the envelope with her name written on it, she gently opened it. Wondering who it was from-more importantly, why she had the others. As she unfolded the paper, glancing over the words, seeing the name signed at the bottom.

Elyse

She took a deep breath before reading the letter.

Dear Nance,
I know, I'm an idiot. I ran straight into the fire without thinking twice. But I had to. And I hope it wasn't in vain. I did it for all of you. So you guys could finally have normal lives. You all dealt with this longer than you should've had to. It needed to end. And please, for me, go out and take on the world. Be an amazing journalist, get the hell out of hawkins and do amazing things. Because I know you can Nance. Don't dwell on the fact that I'm gone, because I'd like to think that, I'll still be there, in a way. Supporting you from a distance. Cheering you on like usual. Go be Nancy Wheeler, the girl who takes no shit from anyone. Go change the world. And let the memories push you towards that.
Love, Elyse

As a few tears fell down Nancy's face, one landing on the paper, she let out a shaky breath. A small smile forms on her face as she goes through memories with Elyse. So many being some of her favorite memories through her life. So many defining who she is. In good ways and bad. When she placed the letter next to her, she noticed words on the back. She flipped it over to read it.

And if I don't make it out of this, you deserve to know the real reason why I ended things between us. It wasn't because you did anything wrong. That's the opposite of why. I knew you deserved normalcy, to have a relationship that you didn't have to hide. Breaking up with you was the most painful thing I've ever had to do. But when I heard Steve talking about you, it was a way I never heard him talk about any girl. So I held out hope that maybe it would be okay. That you would be okay with him. Clearly I was a tad bit wrong, but in the moment it felt right. I'm sorry if that made you think you weren't good enough, because you were good enough. You were honestly way too good for me. You were perfect, Nancy Wheeler.