Billy Hargrove might rule the corridors of Hawkins High as the bully. Yet, behind closed doors at home, he's the victim, tormented by his own father. His mother abandoned him, so he has no defender against his abuser.
But at school, Steve Harrington...
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A week has elapsed since Max was taken to Hawkins General. Seven long days of endless waiting, anxiety, and uncertainty have troubled Billy. The medical team has done everything in their power, running tests and scans, but they can't say when or even if she will come around.
Neil Hargrove is far from understanding or patient. He isn't a man known for empathy. 'Get up, Max!' he commands, looming over her. 'Enough of this lying around. You're doing nothing more than wallowing in self-pity for some damn attention. I can see right through you.'
Billy stands a few steps away. His anger bubbles. His jaw clenches. 'She isn't pulling a stunt for attention, Dad. She's sick. She's genuinely sick.'
His father spins to face him. 'Oh, really?' Neil huffs, closing the gap between them. 'And when did you become a medical expert?' His body language oozes challenge and derision.
The air around Billy crackles with resentment. 'I may not be a medical expert, but at least ... I can recognise when someone I'm supposed to care about is suffering.'
Surprise registers in his father's face. 'What the hell are you implying, Billy?' Neil's voice turns as palpable as a clenched fist.
A nurse enters the room. 'Mr Hargrove, we need you to fill in a form at the reception desk. Would you follow me, please?'
Neil nods, and she walks out of the room. Once the woman is out of sight, he nears Billy. 'Don't think you're off the hook.' With that, he stomps away and heads to the reception desk.
Billy takes in a breath and relaxes, perching by Max's bedside. He regards her, guilt smiting him. He's always been abrasive with her ... rude ...
He knows that self-condemnation and anger won't help Max. Yet, it's all he has, a burning fire that is as much part of himself as his dirty blond hair and blue eyes. It's his own defence against the crushing weight of his regret, and the terrifying uncertainty of Max's condition.
A different nurse comes inside to check Max's notes, and she jots down something.
Billy gets upright. 'You have to do something to help her.'
'We're doing everything we can,' the middle-aged woman assures him.
'No, you're not.' He bites the back of the wrist. 'She's just a kid!'
The nurse maintains her calm profile. 'We understand your frustration, but Max is in the best hands possible. We will follow up shortly.' She vacates the room.
Billy swings his fist at the wall, and the impact sends a jolt of pain through his hand.
His anger is a stark reminder that beneath Billy's tough exterior ... there's a scared, vulnerable person.
In the heart-wrenching silence, while Billy stares at the wall, he misses the subtle twitch of Max's fingers, and the barely perceptible flutter of her eyelids. A fleeting response that vanishes as quickly as it appears. For a brief moment, Max shows a faint flicker of life that goes unnoticed.
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