THANTOPHOBIA | WILL BYERS ² ✔

The Pollywog - [Pt.1]

-Kylie's POV-

I knew enough was enough.

I have powers now, and I'm going to have to tell them.

But I was still shaken up about accidentally lighting a book on fire.

My breath hitched, as I walked up and gently grabbed the book that caught the flame.

The cover was black and ashy and still a bit warm, and it was also crinkled up.

I opened it and the corners of pages throughout the whole book were burnt and sensitive to the touch.

I ran my fingers over it, thinking about my powers.

I put the book in my backpack, to show the boys. I would show Max, too, but, 1, she isn't in the party, because of Mike, and 2, she would need to know about Eleven and Will and all, and I don't think we're at that stage yet.

-Next morning-

I was in school, now, and we were about to be in Science.

I wore a bit of makeup today, to hide my tears about last night.

I didn't see any of my friends until I went to science, and I figured I'd tell them after class.

-

"The case of Phineas Gage, is one of the great medical curiosities of all time." Mr. Clarke began. But I was barely listening. "Phineas was a railroad worker in 1848 who had a nightmarish accident. A large iron road was driven through his head. Phineas miraculously survived. He seemed fine. And physically, yes, he was. But his injury resulted in a complete change to his personality. So much so that friends knew him started referring to him as 'No longer Gage.' At the time, this was known as the American Crowbar Case. Although it wasn't--"

The Dustin suddenly bolted through the door, as I realized that he'd been late to class. He bolted through with a 'grand' entrance, and very loudly, too. He was panting, too.

"I am so sorry, Mr. Clarke. Really, I'm so sorry. Please continue with the class." Me and the boys all looked at him s he sat down. "Don't mind me. Really, continue, please. Thanks."

Mr. Clarke continued, and Dustin whispered something to us all.

"We have to meet. All of us. At lunch, AV Club."

"Why?" Mike responded.

"I have something that you won't believe."

"I-I have something to tell you guys, too..." I stuttered, getting their attentions. "It's really important." I finished.

He looked at Max. "AV Club. Lunch--"

"Dustin!" Mr. Clarke said.

"Yes, my lord?" Dustin replied.

I raised my eyebrows at his choice of words.

"Would you care to join the class now?"

"Please, yes."

"The case of Phineas Gage."

"Phineas Gage."

"Page 104."

"104, 104."

"Focus."

"Focusing. Focusing." He finished awkwardly.

"And he began to curse," Mr. Clarke continued. "Using terrible words that I won't dare repeat here."

-

Dustin opened his ghostbusters trap thing, to reveal this slimy slug, chunky, thing.

"His name is d'Artagnan." Dustin said, proudly. He picked it up. "Cute, right?"