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Hi Mike!
It’s our first night in the new house, it feels good to be finally settled in. I’m excited to hear from you, we’ve never been apart for long ever since we first met. It’s weird, really. I keep expecting to see you, thinking you’re just gonna pop up in the living room. I’m not used to being so far away from the woods, far from everything I’m familiar with. But, it had to be done. I know that. I just wish… things could’ve been different, you know? I never imagined a life separate from you and everyone.
Highschool is going to be rough, I can already feel it. I’m not sure what I’m gonna do without you guys having my back. Sure, I mean, I have El. But she’s been different ever since Hopper’s been gone. I worry about her, sometimes. She’s new to the school setting, and I doubt freshman year is easy for your average teenager, let alone one who just lost their powers… She keeps bugging me about when I’m going to write to you, she’s already prepared like three for you. It’s funny, really. The way she asks me about you, it makes me wonder. I mean. It’s nothing important. Sorry, I’m rambling. Okay, enough about that. Jonathan already met this dude named Argyle, he got this job at a pizza place. I think you’d like the dude, he’s pretty chill. Just sorta goes with the flow, you know? (I think they hotboxed in their van earlier)
Mom seems extra stressed lately. I’m not sure which part it is, but it can’t be easy. The move, adopting El officially, Hopper, everything has been so difficult for her. I wish I could take away all the pain, the guilt. But you don’t have to worry about that, sorry. I really shouldn’t be talking about it, but I don’t know. You’re my best friend. And friends tell each other things, right? I feel like I haven’t really opened up to you much, not like I used to. I wish you’d tell me more things too. You’ve become so difficult to read, although I’ve never really had much of a knack for reading people, anyways.
Not much has been going on, obviously. But it was a long drive. Painfully long. El discovered the game “I Spy” (thanks, mom.) and wouldn’t stop asking me to play it with her. And, being the amazing brother I am, I did. I lost track of how many rounds we played. I can’t complain too much though, because I love the way her face lights up when she’s happy. Reminds me of the looks you used to give me. Do you remember that Halloween after you guys found me? “Crazy together”? The move has been making me think about that night. Two best friends, making a pact. Sounds silly, but those words meant more to me than anything in the world. I miss that. I miss you.
I hope things are going good in Hawkins, are Dustin and Lucas alright? I keep looking for my walkie-talkie, thinking I can call you guys up to hang out. Just to be brought back to the painful reality where I’m in Cali, and you guys are all the way back home. Well, I guess this is home now? Sometimes I feel like home is wherever you are. You guys, I mean. Life without the party seems too boring. I mean, we’ve literally been through hell together, and as much as I wish it was all over, I can’t help but have this… feeling. Yeah, I mean, I can’t feel him anymore, but… there’s this sort of looming feeling of existential dread hanging over me. It’s probably nothing, but. I worry. For good reasons, I guess. I won’t bother you too much about that though, seriously. I’m alright. El’s great, which is all that you need to worry about. I’ll stop blabbing on, haha.
Love, Will