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Some things never change, like breakfast with the Wheelers.
Ted and Karen sit on the left side, forking up pancakes and bacon like no one's business as two busy parents. Nancy sits at the head next to her mom, trying to eat as quickly as she can to go get Jonathan and arrive at the Squawk as soon as possible. Holly sits at the head across from her, pouring a lethal amount of syrup onto her pancakes. On the right side sits Ian, across from Karen, and Mike, across from Ted. Mike practically stuffs his face with toast and eggs, already finding himself running late. Ian seems to be the opposite, calmly eating whilst zoning out, preparing for a math test later that morning.
Even in the chaos of a busy morning, it's so calm, so serene.
All together, the kids sit up from their chairs, still chewing food, before they take their dishes to the sink and make their way to the door. Nancy is the first one out, rushing to her car, slinging a sweater over her shoulders. Karen follows Holly, making sure she takes a jacket with her as she bikes to school with Mike and Ian, who are somehow already waiting outside. She jumps onto her bike, chasing after the boys.
"Hey, wait up!"
"Good morning, Hawkins! This is WSQK The Squawk!"
Ian glances at Mike, fidgeting with the radio strapped to his bike.
"It's looking like a regular day in Hawkins. Fifty-five degrees, low chance of rain, medium chance of arrest, high chance of helicopters. But, general banality aside, it's an exciting day for me, your friend, entertainer, and DJ, Robin Buckley... nice to meet you... aka Rockin' Robin."
Ian faces the road again, taking in the breeze, the chilly air that stings his skin. It's not the pain, but the atmosphere that makes it feel so... good. Comforting, in a way. He's able to feel. It's the small things. He hasn't hurt himself, not in a while at least. He's been doing good, really, even Mike congratulates him on it. He recently made Ian a little celebration cake for hitting a year of being clean, paired with a movie marathon in the basement.
"On the topic of things not to do, please steer clear of the Military Access Control Zone, aka the MAC-Z, or as I like to call it, the Big Mac."
Ian had nearly forgotten about the block of town cut off from the rest of Hawkins. When the great chasm emerged, the four gates of death led back to the library, where Will was found years ago when he was found in the Upside Down. The library itself was a portal to the Upside Down, a giant gate like the one in HNL, which was now abandoned. They covered the great chasm, miles upon miles long, with large, steel plates. Every inch was covered, every plate weighing hundreds of pounds to avoid anyone lifting them to sneak into the Upside Down and get themselves killed. Though, that'd never deter the heroes of Hawkins. They were hunting for El, but underestimated her abilities. How ironic.
