𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 | Eddie Munson

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴏ

"Come on," Eddie says as we sneak out from behind the trees. His hand gently touches my lower back as I walk forward and then it's gone before I can fully register his touch.

Bradley's Big Buy

The local grocery store that I've been to a million times. Sometimes I forget that everything in Hawkins is mirrored in The Upside Down. The store is covered in tendrils and the building itself looks abandoned. It's not the ideal place for shelter, but it might be the smartest since it has almost everything we need. Food, water, and most importantly first aid supplies. I touch my side where the pain lingers and notice blood on my fingers. As I now follow Eddie into the store I secretly wipe the blood onto my shirt and pretend I'm fine. Eddie looks back at me as if he can smell it, but I give him a soft reassuring smile and he continues moving forward.

"Wow, it's as if it's untouched," I say looking around and then I remember no one lives here, it's as if this is all an illusion.

The store door closes and Eddie locks it. The sound of metal dragging across the floor causes my skin to crawl. Eddie lifts the empty aisle shelf in front of the door without straining. "I don't think we will be found for a while, but even if we are then that should give us a head start."

He's different. He's quieter and more reserved. I know he's been through the worst of it and it hurts me to imagine what it's been like for him.

"I hope so," My voice is still hoarse. I touch my throat and Eddie meets my eyes. His eyes drop to my neck and his expression shifts to shame. I drop my hand and turn away. I bite my tongue before I start reminding him that I'm fine again. He carries so much guilt and shame, and I refuse to add to his internalized suffering. I can feel the weight of pain he's carrying and I can't handle it. I look around trying to get my mind off of what's going on. Instead of facing the reality of the situation I'm in I do what's best and distract myself.

My eyes land on a bag of chips and I almost trip running to open it. I notice the wine on my way to the chips and I almost stop, but my stomach says no. "Oh my god," Hunger burns through my stomach as I rip open the bag and shove a hand full of chips into my mouth. A moan rolls off my tongue as the flavors burst into my mouth. It's the best thing I've ever had.

A laugh from behind me echoes throughout the store. I spin around mid-swallow and see Eddie leaning against the nearest wall. He's watching and not even trying to hide his amusement.

"What?"

"Oh. Nothing," He laughs again. "Sorry, I know you're hungry. It's just funny how fast you're inhaling that bag."

Rolling my eyes, I take another bite and let out an obnoxious moan. He lifts a brow and cocks his head, "I've never heard that sound from you before."

I ball up the empty bag and throw it at him. "Shut up. Now, there are no more chips for you."