Through Laughter And Bruised Hearts

Return to Derry

Richie Tozier had been away from Derry for so long that he barely recognized it. It was dusk, and the sky was a palette of pinks and oranges, a gentle reminder of the softness the town could have—when it wasn’t haunted by things lurking in the shadows. But tonight, there were no shadows on his mind. Tonight, there was only Eddie Kaspbrak.

He found himself standing outside Eddie's old house, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets as he tried to ignore the steady thud of his heart. Coming back to Derry was one thing; looking Eddie in the eye after years was another. All he could think about was the last time he’d seen him—their hurried goodbye, both pretending it was easy to walk away. But it never had been.

“Get it together, Tozier,” he mumbled, glancing up at the house. “He’s probably not even home.”

He started to turn back toward his car, but then the door swung open, revealing Eddie himself, a little older, a little wearier, but still Eddie.

“Richie?” Eddie’s voice was softer than he remembered, almost as if he wasn’t sure Richie was real. The sight of him in the dim porch light made Richie’s stomach twist.

“Yeah, it’s me. Don’t get too excited,” Richie teased, masking his nerves with sarcasm.

Eddie rolled his eyes, but there was a smile threatening to creep onto his face. “You’re still as insufferable as ever, I see.”

Richie’s laugh was nervous, but he covered it with a grin. “You know you love it.”

For a moment, they stood there, the silence filled with memories and the questions neither dared to ask. Finally, Eddie stepped aside, holding the door open. “You coming in, or are you just here to make faces at me from the lawn?”

Richie hesitated, then shrugged. “Well, since you’re begging…”

As they stepped into the warmth of Eddie’s home, Richie realized he had no idea what he’d say. But for once, it didn’t matter—he was right where he wanted to be.