The Devil Goes To Heaven

Rising Devil

The parking lot at Hawkins High is empty when we arrive. Squid tells me to go to Delilah's locker and wait there; someone will get me when they're ready. Surprisingly, Squid has keys to the school so they let me into the closest entrance near Delilah's locker.

Her memorial has grown even larger since the last time I was here. More flowers, pictures, letters, candles, and drawings all dedicated to her. I didn't know there were this many good portrait artists in Hawkins.

I kneel down and start reading the letters, all of which are open:

"Rest In Paradise, Queen. Never stop singing for the losers like us."

"I can sing but I was too scared to pursue it. But I'm not anymore thanks to you. Fly, Angel, Fly. I hope I can live up to be as amazing as you were."

"On the off chance that your boyfriend is reading this, here's a poem by James Whitcomb Riley that made me think of him:

'I cannot say and will not say

That she is dead—She is just away!

With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand

She has wandered into an unknown land,

And left us dreaming how very fair

It needs must be since she lingers there.

And you—O you, who the wildest yearn

For the old-time step and the glad return—,

Think of her faring on, as dear as the love of There as the Love of Here;'"

"Judas?"

I turn around to see Stacy in a wheelchair. Seeing her now. Alive and well. It makes me feel rejuvenated.

"Hey, Stacy," I say, grinning, "I guess you're here to pick me up?"

"Correct. You wouldn't mind pushing me to the gym would you?"

I get behind her and begin wheeling her to the gymnasium.

"I'm gonna make a full recovery," She tells me, "I'm gonna have to re-learn how to walk again but the stuff that's challenging is worth doing, ya know?"

I don't say anything. I just walk us to the Gym.

Once we arrive at the gym doors I let go of her handles and she turns around to face me.

"Judas, can you promise me something?" Her hazel eyes are sparkling.

"What is it?"

"Can you promise that no matter what happens, you'll learn to not regret what you've done? I'd be dead if it weren't for you. Probably many more. But—I know you lost the one thing you cared about most. It's fucking cruel and I don't get it but—I texted my mom goodbye Judas. I texted her I loved her because I thought I was going to die. And then you changed that."

"What's behind those doors?"

"We know you don't like surprises. But we're asking you to have faith in us. When you go in there, there's gonna be a projector, a chair, and a screen. Just hit play on the projector take a seat and watch."