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“Where’s Lucas? I couldn’t find him anywhere,” Will said, his voice tight with worry and rising anxiety.
The party exchanged uneasy glances around the table, and Will caught it instantly.
“You don’t think he went to the hospital?” he asked, his voice trembling.
“I think he did,” Dustin said quietly.
Will’s whole body shook, his breathing quickening in sharp, anxious bursts. “We have to go after him! It’s dangerous out there with the demo‑bats and demogorgons all over Hawkins!” His blood ran hot at the thought of Lucas alone.
He rushed to the cabinet. Inside sat a shotgun. He grabbed it, along with the shells, loading it with frantic, practiced motions. The others pushed back from the table and started mobilizing. Mike helped El strap on her padded armor, and El helped Mike with his. Dustin began packing essentials.
Will snapped the shotgun closed, slung the strap over his shoulder, and turned to face the group. El and Mike were helping Dustin with his armor.
“Ready?” Will asked.
“No,” El replied. She finished adjusting Dustin’s armor, then walked over to Will, leaving Mike to finish the last touches. She stood face‑to‑face with her non-blood related brother, who stared at her, confused by her answer. She gave him a small, knowing smile.
“Because you’re not ready yet,” she said, lifting a padded armor piece meant for him.
Will smiled faintly but waved it off. “No. Lucas will need it when we get there. Besides, this camo I’m wearing is enough.”
“But—” El started, but Will cut her off.
“El, Lucas needs us. We have to go now.”
He turned away and headed up the stairs. El sighed and went back to Mike and Dustin.
“You can pack that in the backpack,” Dustin said, gesturing. El grabbed the backpack and tucked the armor inside.
As Will reached the top of the stairs, he came face‑to‑face with Hopper.
“Where do you kids think you’re going?” Hopper asked.
The party below looked up at him. Will froze for a moment; the dim lighting cast Hopper’s features in harsh shadows, making him look even more imposing. But the thought of Lucas in danger reignited Will’s resolve.
Confused, angry, scared, he snapped, “We’re going after Lucas!”
“No, you’re not,” Hopper said, firm and immovable.
Will tried to protest, but Hopper shut him down with a look.
“You kids stay put. Me and the older kids will go after Lucas.”