Welcome to Hawkins, Indiana, where strange things occurred a little less than a year ago. All the chaos has died down since then, so Kristen's parents decided it would be safe to move there for a job opportunity.
Kristen meets Mr. Popular, Steve Ha...
I was walking alone in the middle of the woods. I'd lost sight of Steve, Jonathan and Nancy. I was definitely lost.
Why did I do this? I should've listened to Steve.
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Suddenly, I heard voices. They didn't sound like the people that I was searching for, so I knelt down and hid behind a tree and listened.
One voice was my father's. "So you think it's back? This isn't just a typical kidnapping or runaway kid?"
A deeper voice spoke next. "It's back. Too many similarities to the last time this happened."
Their voices faded and soon, they were out of sight.
I stood up quickly, determined to find Steve and the others. I wasn't being careful and didn't realize I was standing on a flimsy branch that was hanging down from the tree, so when I stepped off it, it swung up and scratched my wrist, causing blood to drip down my hand.
I tried to wrap it in my sleeve, but within seconds, I heard a growl and the crunching of leaves on the opposite side of the tree. I remained still, holding my breath, hoping it would just go away.
My eyes were squeezed shut. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I wanted this to be a dream. I just wanted to wake up, safe and sound in my room.
Suddenly, I was grabbed. I refused to open my eyes. I didn't want to see my fate.
I screamed at the top of my lungs and was dragged a few feet.
Then I heard gun shots.
I opened my eyes. It was Steve holding me. Jonathan and Nancy were shooting at the monster. I saw it.
It was tall and didn't have a face. I've never seen anything like it.
"Guys, run!" Jonathan yelled.
Steve picked me up and began running through the woods. Nancy and Jonathan followed a minute later.
When we reached Steve's car, we hopped in and sped away. Everyone was silent.
Steve dropped Jonathan and Nancy off first.
I sat in the passenger's seat next to Steve.
He was angry. I could tell.
"I'm sorry." I cried.
"What were you thinking? Kristen, you could've been killed. I told you to stay home." His tone was full of frustration.
"I wanted to be there for you." I sobbed. "I'm sorry."
"Just trust me when I tell you to stay put, okay?" He lightened up and stroked my arm. I nodded. "What happened to your wrist?"
"A dumb tree branch."
"You need to be careful."
"I know." I said, disappointed in myself. "Thanks for saving me."
"Always trust me, I'll always be there to protect you."
He pulled into his driveway. We sat for a minute in silence.
"Did I ruin the plan?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"We'll try again tomorrow." He sighed. "And by 'we', I mean myself, Jonathan and Nancy. You are not going back out there. Got it?"
"Yeah, got it."
We stepped out of the car. I began walking towards my house without a word. Steve chased behind me and turned me around, kissing me deeply.
