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Joyce jolted out of bed, her heart pounding as she saw the glaring numbers on the clock. She dashed around the house, her bare feet slapping against the cold floor. She quickly made her morning coffee, the drink spilling onto the counter. She grabbed her clothes, putting on whatever she could find. Finally, Joyce collected her things as she ran around the house like a chicken without its head.
Jonathan was getting breakfast ready like he usually did. The kitchen was filled with the sizzle of eggs and sausage on the stove. It held a savory scent mixed with freshly brewed coffee. Will, already dressed and ready to go, sat at the kitchen table, crayons in hand, quietly drawing as he waited for his food.
Joyce filled Chester's bowl with food, the dry kibble clattering against the metal dish before she placed it on the floor. She hurried toward the bathroom, her footsteps quick and uneven. As she passed Nick's room, she heard her alarm go off, so she stopped.
"Nick. Are you awake?" Joyce knocked on her daughter's door, her knuckles tapping sharply against the wood. She waited a few seconds, straining to hear any response. Nothing. "Nick? Come on, you gotta get ready for school." Her voice was colored with frustration as she knocked again, louder this time. Still, there was only silence.
Shaking her head, Joyce opened the door. The room was dim, the soft morning light filtering through the blinds casting stripped shadows.
Nick's bed was empty.
Joyce's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a rush of panic. Her eyes darting from the empty bed to the closet to the desk. Joyce spun on her heels and dashed to the kitchen. "Have you seen Nick?" she asked Jonathan.
Jonathan turned around, a frown creasing his forehead. "She's not in her room?"
With wide eyes, Joyce shook her head, "No."
Jonathan groaned, "I told you," as he returned back to the sizzling eggs on the stove.
Joyce made a beeline for the telephone, her fingers slightly trembling. "Just call Florence if you see her—"
"At school, yeah, I know," Jonathan interrupted.
With a shaky hand, Joyce picked up the phone and dialed the number she called too often. Her heart pounded in her chest as the phone rang.
"Hello, this is Hawkins Police Department. How can I help you?"
"Hi, Florence, this is Joyce Byers. I hate to call you, but Nick is missing, and I'm on my way to the station. I just wanted to give you a heads up." Her voice shook.
"I'll let Hopper know. We'll see you soon, Joyce. Buh-bye."
Joyce hung up the phone and grabbed her keys. "I'll see you guys after school, ok?"
"Ok," Jonathan said. His gaze softened as he watched his mom.
"Bye, Mom!" Will waved, his innocent smile calmed her anxiety filled her body for a split second before she rushed out the door, her heart in her throat.
