Sixteen-year-old Troy Brody stared up at the enormous sign reading, "Welcome to Hawking." His mother, Sara, clutched his father Matt's hand as they entered this new chapter of their lives. Although joy was evident on Matt and Sara's faces, Troy, their only child, didn't share their excitement.
"Troy, you're going to love this place," Sara said, trying to lift his spirits.
"Sure I will," Troy muttered, distracted as they passed an old, abandoned house. He couldn't help but feel a strange curiosity toward it.
Matt pointed proudly at a large building ahead. "There's my new workplace," he said, gesturing toward a massive lab in the distance.
They continued driving to their new neighborhood, stopping in front of a spacious, grey-and-white house.
"Welcome home," Matt said as he stepped out of the car. Sara glanced back, noticing Troy's sad, distant expression. She knew this transition was anything but simple for him-a new town, new friends, a new beginning.
"Sweetheart," she said softly, "I know this feels rushed, but give it a chance. This is our hometown."
"Exactly. *Your* hometown, not mine," Troy muttered, stepping out of the car and glancing at the neighbors who were watching them.
"Son, come check out the house!" Matt called. Troy followed, taking in the grand staircase that led to the second floor, a spacious living room, and a kitchen with windows that opened up to the backyard.
"What do you think?" Matt asked, smiling at Sara as she surveyed the kitchen.
"I love it," she replied, her eyes bright with optimism. They both turned to look at Troy, who had wandered over to a recliner, lost in thought.
"Let's go upstairs," Matt said. As they ascended, he talked about the house's layout, the rooms, and his plans. Troy paused at the end of the hallway, his gaze fixed on something that made him uneasy-a young girl who appeared out of nowhere.
"Please, help me," she whispered before vanishing.
Troy touched his nose and noticed blood. Quickly, he wiped it with a tissue, wondering if he'd imagined it.
"Troy, come see this," Matt called, breaking Troy's trance. Sara, sensing something was off, glanced at the hall but saw nothing.
In his room, Matt smiled proudly at him. "What do you think, champ?" he asked, hugging his son. "This is going to be a fresh start for all of us."
"Please, Troy, stay out of trouble. We just got here. This job and these opportunities are incredible. The coach wants to see you play basketball and baseball. It's your choice," Matt said, eyeing his son. "Let's keep things smooth, alright?"
"Yes, sir," Troy replied, managing a faint smile. After Matt left, Sara hugged him.
"You're going to work things out here," she said gently.
"I hope so," Troy replied. He wandered to the backyard, taking in the pool, treehouse, and basketball court. Despite the warmth of the welcome, he felt something strange in this town, an energy that coursed through him, like tiny currents running through his hands and body.
He picked up a basketball and began shooting. Oddly, he didn't miss a single shot, though his heart wasn't in it. He wished he could be surfing back in California, maybe even find a canoe club here to make up for it.
Meanwhile, Matt joined Sara in their room as she unpacked, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"Should I order pizza?" he asked.
"I was going to make something for dinner," she replied, but he kissed her cheek.
"Take a break. It's been a long journey," Matt said.
"Thank you." She smiled and returned his kiss.
"How's he doing?" Matt asked, helping her put away some clothes.
"It's tough for him, leaving everything to come here. He's trying, but... don't be too hard on him."
"If you notice anything strange, let me know," Matt said in sign language, glancing back to make sure Troy hadn't overheard.
Sara replied the same way, explaining that Troy seemed off, like he'd seen something unsettling. Just then, the doorbell rang, and Matt grinned. "Pizza's here."
That evening, the three of them sat around the table, sharing slices. Matt looked at Sara with a warm smile.
"Well, Troy, I hope you'll come to like Hawking," he said.
"It's strange... but cozy, I guess," Troy replied, prompting a satisfied nod from his dad.
"Troy, we moved here so you could have a fresh start, away from everything that happened in California," Matt said. "No more trouble, okay?"
"Don't worry, Dad. I know what I have to do," Troy replied, though he longed for the sun and waves of California, his friends, the freedom he'd left behind.
"Let's make this a good journey," Sara said, reaching across the table to hold Troy's hand, sensing how much he missed his old life.
---
That night, Troy was in a restless sleep. He found himself in a dark, dimly lit lab, alarms blaring. A man ran past him, terror-stricken.
"Hey, stop!" Troy called, but the man scrambled into an elevator, frantically pressing buttons. Troy's heart pounded as he sensed something lurking in the shadows-a monstrous presence stalking him.
As it approached, Troy felt his body respond. His hands grew hot, filled with power he barely understood. He forced the creature back, controlling it, moving it side to side, up and down, until flames burst forth from his hands, scorching the beast. But it escaped, slipping into the darkness. Exhausted, he closed his eyes and fell.
When he opened them again, he was in an empty, black void. A thin layer of water covered the ground, reflecting his figure.
"Hello?" he called out, his voice echoing. Footsteps approached, and then a young girl appeared, running to him, her arms outstretched.
"The monster is coming... he's taking the children," she whispered, clinging to him. Troy noticed a tattoo on her arm, eerily similar to his own. In the distance, he could make out an old cabin as a scream echoed, then faded into silence.
YOU ARE READING
004 - Stranger Thing
FanfictionA young boy is back to his family hometown, he star to know more about his past, is family and star to chase strange creature is haunting the town.
