Chapter Text
HAWKINS NATIONAL LABORATORY
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
An imposing building, sitting alone in a dense woods.
Dark clouds swallow the stars.
HAWKINS LABS - SUB-LEVEL CORRIDOR
Fluorescent lights flicker... a siren warbles... And that low-end rumble continues to be hear down a long windowless corridor toward a steel door.
WHOOM! The door explodes open. The hinges shrieking.
A scientist staggers out. Terrified.
He sprints down the corridor. Running for his life.
Faster, faster, faster.
He rounds a corner. Up ahead: a freight elevator.
He mashes the call button. As he waits for the elevator to arrive, he keeps looking back over his shoulder... down that long corridor. Terrified.
The elevator arrives. The doors grind vertically open.
The scientist leaps inside. He hits the button for the top floor. As he waits for the doors to close, he hears:
A strange rumbling noise. Coming from above him.
He looks up at the ceiling. His eyes grow wide and... The scientist is sucked up toward the ceiling by something. His legs kick violently in mid-air and he screams in horror and then...
The elevator doors snap shut.
SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
1983
A two-story house at the end of the cul-de-sac. The mailbox reads: "THE WHEELERS."
HISS! Lawn sprinklers kick on.
WHEELER HOUSE - BASEMENT
The voice of a young boy is heard. Dramatic, intense.
Mike: Do you hear that? Listen... Something is coming... something hungry for blood...
A group of boys, 12 years old, play dungeons and dragon.
They sit around a card table. A grid map is spread out on the table before them, along with a nearly empty pizza box, canned Cokes, and the all-important dungeons and dragons monster manual.
Mike Wheeler, 12, is the "Dungeon Master" and de facto leader of our group.
Mike: ... A shadow grows on the wall behind you... swallowing you in darkness... it is almost here...
The other boys lean forward. Riveted.
Lucas Sinclair, 12, playing as a knight. He is very small but his loud mouth more than makes up for it.
Dustin Henderson, 12, playing as a dwarf. He is the most fearful — and least confident — of our group.
Will Byers, 12, playing as a wizard. He is soft-spoken, gentle, delicate.
Will: ... What is it?
Dustin: What if it's the Demogorgon? We're in deep shit if it's the Demogorgon.
Lucas: It's not the Demogorgon.
Mike waits for them to settle down. Then:
Mike: An army of Troglodytes charge into the chamber!
He slams six winged miniatures onto the map.
Mike: Their tails drum the floor. Boom! Boom! Boom!
Dustin: Troglodytes?!
Lucas: Toldja.
Dustin: Pfff.
Mike looks over his shoulder. His eyes grow wide.
Mike: Wait... do you hear that? Boom! Boom! BOOM! That sound... it didn't come from the Troglodytes. No. It came from something else...
Mike slams a large two-headed monster miniature onto the map.
Mike: The demogorgon.
The boys stare.
Dustin: We're in deep shit.
Mike: Will, your action.
Will swallows. God, he wishes it wasn't his turn.
Will: I... I don't know...
Lucas: Fireball him.
Will: I'd have to roll thirteen or higher.
Dustin: Too risky. Cast a protection spell.
Lucas: Don't be a wimp! Fireball him!
Dustin: Protection spell!
Mike: The Demogorgon is tired of your silly human bickering. It stomps toward you. BOOM!
Lucas: Fireball him will!
Mike: Another step. BOOM!
Dustin: Cast protection!
Mike: It roars in anger...
Lucas: Fireball!
Dustin: Protection.
Mike: And...
Will: Fireball!
Will rolls the dice. Too hard. The dice scatters to the other side of the basement. It lands by the basement steps.
Lucas: What is it?!
Will: I don't know!
Dustin: Is it a thirteen?
Will: I don't know!
The boys scramble to look at the dice when... WHOOM! The basement door swings open. The boys look up to find Karen Wheeler, late 30s, Mike's mom, standing at the top of the stairs.
Mike: Mom, we're in the middle of a campaign.
Karen: You mean the end. (She taps her watch) Fifteen after.
WHEELER HOUSE - LIVING ROOM
Mike chases his mom up out of the basement. "Just twenty more minutes."
Karen: I just put Holly to bed, Michael, and tomorrow we're going to the doctor for another test. Wasn't that what you wanted? You can finish next weekend.
Mike: That'll ruin the flow.
Karen: Michael.
Mike: I'm serious, Mom! It took two weeks to plan. How was I supposed to know it'd take ten hours?
Karen: You've been playing ten hours?
Mike's dad, Ted, 45, is watching TV. Or trying to. The signal is terrible; a snowstorm of static obscures the image. He smacks the TV.
Mike: Dad, don't you think?
Ted (not even listening): I think you should listen to your mother. Daggum piece of junk!
He smacks the TV again. The static flares.
WHEELER HOUSE - BASEMENT
Lucas, Dustin, and Will stuff belongings into backpacks.
Will: Does the seven count?
Lucas: It was a seven?
Will nods.
Lucas: Did Mike see it?
Will shakes his head.
Lucas: Then it doesn't count.
The boys zip up their backpacks and race up the stairs. Dustin holds up the pizza box. Still one slice left.
Dustin: Hey guys, anyone want this?!
Lucas/Will: No!
Dustin looks back at the pizza. Considers.
WHEELER HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
Dustin heads upstairs, pizza box in arms. He walks up to a bedroom door. Through a crack in the door, he sees...
NANCY WHEELER, Mike's sister, 16, girl-next-door pretty. She is on her bed in pajamas, a phone in hand, fingers twisting its cord, slender legs kicked in the air.
Nancy: I know, I know, but... I don't think so... yeah, he's cute, but... Barb, Barb! Listen to me.
Dustin waves, getting her attention. Holds up the pizza box. "Hey Nancy, there's a slice left if you want. Pepperoni and sausage."
Nancy (into phone): Hold on...
Nancy walks over and... shuts the door in Dustin's face.
WHEELER GARAGE
WHOOM! Dustin shuts the garage door behind him. He's in the middle of eating the last pizza slice. The other three boys are out here already: Lucas and Will are climbing onto their bikes; Mike is seeing them off.
Dustin (talking with mouth full): Something's wrong with your sister.
Mike: What're you talking about?
Dustin: She's got a stick up her butt.
Lucas: It's 'cause she's seeing that barf bag, Steve Harrington.
Dustin: Yeah, she's turning into a real jerk.
Mike: She's always been a real jerk.
Dustin climbs onto his bike.
Dustin: Nu-uh. She used to be cool. Like that time she dressed up as an elf for our Eldertree campaign.
Mike: Four years ago!
Dustin: Just sayin'.
Dustin and Lucas bike off out of the garage. Will lingers behind a second longer. Turns back to Mike.
Will: ... It was a seven.
Mike: What?
Will: The roll. It was a seven. The Demogorgon, it got me. (Shrugs) Will I see you tomorrow?
Mike (serious): I don't think so... You're not going to complain too? Obviously there's a mistake.
Will: What do you mean by that?... Anyways, we won't know for sure until our first heat.
Mike: Yeah...
Will smiles at Mike, then bikes away, joining the others.
BZZZZZ. The light in the garage flicks. Strange. Mike switches it off and heads back inside.
NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
The boys bike home. Their handlebar lights wink in the night. And good thing, because it's very dark out here. Lucas peels off from the group.
Lucas: See ya, ladies.
Dustin: Kiss your mom 'night for me.
Lucas flips him the bird and bikes up a driveway towards a two-story house. It looks almost identical to Mike's.
Will and Dustin bike on in silence for a beat, then:
Dustin: Race to my place? Winner gets a comic?
Will: Any comic?
Dustin: Yeah.
Will has heard enough. He starts pedaling. Fast.
Dustin: Hey!
Dustin pedals in pursuit. But he's already behind. And...
NEIGHBORHOOD - A FEW MINUTES LATER
Will whizzes past a house at the far end of neighborhood. He waves at Dustin. Now fifty yards back.
WILL: I'll take your "X-Men" one-three-four!
Dustin stops. Out-of-breath.
DUSTIN (really bummed): ... Man.
FOREST ROAD - LATER
Will is now biking along an empty forest road. All alone. He lives much further out than the rest of his friends. It is even darker out here and quiet; unnervingly so. Only the sound of cicadas and a gentle breeze to keep him company.
He bikes past a large metal fence. A warning sign reads:
HAWKINS NATIONAL LABORATORY. RESTRICTED AREA. NO TRESPASSING.
His bike's headlight flickers. Will looks down at it. After a beat, the light returns to normal. He looks back up and... A tall figure stands in the middle of the road.
Will yanks the handle bars... loses control... veers off the road... explodes into the woods... And crashes.
Will flies off the bike. He skids, rolls, eats dirt. As he lies there on the ground, gasping, he hears strange guttural sounds. Coming from behind him.
He pushes to his feet and turns to the sound. His faint, barely developed scent surfaces under stress.
Foliage shudders. The SOUNDS GROW. Something is coming.
Will abandons his bike... And runs.
Will bursts out of the woods. Up ahead: his house. It is small, one story, lower class, falling apart.
BYERS HOUSE - NIGHT
Will slams the door shut behind him and bolts the lock. A shaggy dog, Chester the mutt, races to greet him.
Will: Mom?! Jonathan?! Mom?!
He checks his mom's bedroom. His brother's bedroom. No one is home. He is all alone.
Will scrambles back to the living room window. He cups his hands to the glass and peers out into the yard. It is dark. Murky. Quiet.
A gust of wind blows and... Day-old laundry flutters on a clothes line to reveal... that figure again. Just standing there amongst the billowing laundry.
It's hard to make out any features, but its proportions seem... off. Its head is too large. Its arms are too long. Its body is swollen and bent in a strange, twisted shape.
Another gust of wind. The clothes flutters again and... The Figure is gone.
Will pales. His heart in his throat.
BYERS HOUSE - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Will rips the phone receiver off the kitchen wall. Dials 911. But... It does not ring. Just hums with low-end static.
Will: Hello?! Hello?!
Will pauses. He hears something on the other line. But not a voice... it is that guttural sound he heard in the woods. The pitch rises and falls, making a series of strange sounds. Words? It is as if the figure... whoever... whatever it is... is somehow speaking to him through the phone receiver.
Behind him, Chester begins to growl at the front door.
Will lowers the phone. And looks back at the door.
A shadow fills the crack at the base of the door. And then somehow, impossibly, the chain bolt begins to slide open, as if drawn by an invisible hand. The metal shrieks.
Will drops the phone and...
BYERS HOUSE - BACK YARD
WHOOM! Will explodes out the back screen door.
He sprints into an old wooden shed and...
BYERS SHED - MOMENTS LATER
WHAM! He slams the shed doors behind him. Breathing hard.
His eyes dart. Searching for something.
The shed is cluttered and dark, lit only by a naked light bulb, hanging from the ceiling. The bulb buzzes, flickers.
At last he spots it:
An old remington rifle. Dusty. Hanging on a wall mount.
Will yanks it down, retrieves a few ammo shells from a work bench, and loads the rifle as fast as he can, which isn't very fast at all; he is so scared his hands sweat and shake.
Will finishes loading the rifle. He snaps the chamber shut and aims it at the door. The rifle trembles in his hands.
While Will keeps his eyes trained on the door, we notice a shadowed figure slowly rise behind him.
Will senses movement. Turns. He doesn't fire. He just stares. Paralyzed by fear. Shock.
He fights tears.
Will: P-please.
A high-pitched shrieking sound suddenly fills the shed.
That naked dangling light bulb. It glows brighter and brighter and brighter, filling the shed with overwhelming white light. It seems like the glass of the bulb is going to shatter but then...
The terrible shrieking sound abruptly stops.
The bulb dims. Returning to normal wattage.
Away from the light. The shed is empty.
Will has vanished.
HOPPER'S TRAILER LIVING ROOM - MORNING
A child's drawing is on the wall. It depicts a perfect family: a man, a girl, a woman.
Among other things in this mess of trailer... There's a dusty TV from which a local newswoman drones:
Local newswoman (on TV): ... reports of surges and outages across the county... We reached out to Roane County Water and Electric, and...
A clutter of beer bottles
Opened plastic vials.
A scattering of red and blue pills.
And last but certainly not least:
Jim Hopper, or "Hop," early 40s. He is sprawled out on a grungy sofa, shirtless, wearing only a pair of worn Levi jeans and a blue bracelet on his wrist.
A ray of sun slices through blinds. Waking him.
He blinks. Grimaces. Hungover.
HOPPER'S TRAILER - MORNING
Hopper steps out onto a decrepit porch.
He lights up a hand-rolled cigarette. Drags on it.
His trailer is perched on the shore of a lake. It's a bit lonely out here. But damn if it isn't beautiful.
Hop rubs his arms. Getting cold. Enough beauty for now.
HOPPER'S TRAILER - BATHROOM - A LITTLE LATER
- Hopper showers. So tiny in there his body barely fits.
- Hopper studies his beard in the mirror. Considers shaving.
Doesn't.
- Hopper pops open a plastic vial labeled "TUINAL." He
shakes out two capsules. Red and blue. Scoops a mouthful of water. Washes them down.
HOPPER'S TRAILER - BEDROOM - A LITTLE LATER
Hopper dresses. He yanks on a pair of brown pants... a matching brown collared shirt... a belt with a holster... a 9mm glock... a gray hat... and lastly, he clips on... a gold badge. It reads:
HAWKINS POLICE. CHIEF.
Behind him, the TV continues to drones...
Local newswoman (on TV): ... In other news, it seems like you may want to stay in tonight, or pack an umbrella. Let's go now to everyone's favorite morning weatherman, Charles. Charles?
Hopper heads out the door. The trailer door rattles shut.
BYERS HOUSE - MORNING
The sky's darkening around Byers' house. The laundry hangs. It billows a bit in the gathering wind... A storm is coming...
BYERS HOUSE - KITCHEN
Jonathan Byers, 16, Will's older brother, cooks breakfast.
He is lanky with long hair. Quietly handsome... but he wouldn't believe it if you told him.
Joyce: Where the hell are they?!
His mom, Joyce Byers, late 30s, races past, frazzled. She wears a wrinkled "Melvald General Store" uniform.
Joyce: Dammit!
Jonathan: Check the couch.
Joyce does. She finds her keys under a cushion. Thank God.
She snatches them up, gives Jonathan a quick peck on the cheek, and races for the door, only to pause at the last second, realizing something. She turns back to Jonathan.
Joyce: ... Will? Where's Will?
Jonathan: Sleeping, I guess.
Joyce: You gotta make sure he's up, Jonathan, how many times...?
Jonathan: I'm making breakfast.
Joyce shakes her head. Irritated. She hurries down the hallway. Claps her hands.
Joyce: Will... Will come on, get up. Joyce throws open the door to Will's room. It's empty.
BYERS HOUSE - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
She strides back over to Jonathan. Worried now.
Joyce: He came home last night, right?
Jonathan: He's not in his room?
Joyce: He come home or not?
Jonathan: I don't know.
Joyce: You don't know?
Jonathan: I got back late, I was working.
Joyce: You were working?
Jonathan: Eric asked if I could cover for him, I said yeah; I figured we could use the cash.
Joyce: We talked about this. I told you not to take shifts on nights I'm tending, I specifically told you.
Jonathan: He was over at the Wheelers' all day. I'm sure he just stayed over.
Joyce: I can't believe this.
Jonathan: I'm sorry.
Joyce: I can't believe it. (Joyce grabs the kitchen wall phone. Dials a number)
WHEELER HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
A wall phone rings at the Wheelers. It is chaos over here.
Mike is grabbing syrup from a cabinet; Nancy is eating scrambled eggs, Holly, 3, is crying; Ted is watching the morning news; and now the phone is ringing. The fucking phone.
Karen answers. Holly squirms in her arms.
Karen: Hello?
Joyce: Karen, it's Joyce.
Karen: Joyce, hi.
Behind her, Mike pours syrup onto his scrambles eggs.
Nancy: That's disgusting.
Mike: It's good, swear.
Mike squeezes some onto Nancy's eggs.
Nancy: What the hell Mike?!
Ted: Hey, language!
Karen puts the phone on her shoulder. She can't hear Joyce.
Karen (to kids): Quiet! (Back to phone) I'm sorry, one of those mornings.
Joyce: Was that Will I heard back there?
Karen: Will? No, no, just Michael.
Joyce: Will didn't spend the night?
Karen: ... No. He, he left here a little after eight. (Worried now) He's not home?
BYERS HOUSE - KITCHEN
Joyce tries to hide her panic.
Joyce (into phone): I... I was working late last night. I'm sure he just left early for school. Thanks... thanks Karen.
Joyce hangs up the phone. She looks scared. And so does Jonathan.
HAWKINS MIDDLE SCHOOL - MORNING
Lucas and Dustin ride their bikes past the high school, making their way toward Hawkins Middle School, a quaint one-story brick building tucked beneath a water tower.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - BACK
As the boys slot their wheels into bike racks, they look around at all the kids streaming in. Looking for Will.
Lucas: I'm telling you: his mom's right, he just went to class early again.
Dustin: Yeah... he's always paranoid Gursky's gonna give him a pop quiz.
Troy: Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! Step right up and get your tickets for the freak show!
The boys look to find two kids, James and Troy, 14, headed toward them. Our boys don't run... they just stand there like statues. This is clearly a regular occurrence, and this is how they deal with it: with passivity.
Troy sizes them up. "Who do you think would make more money at a freak show: "Midnight" or "Toothless?"
James: Ooof. Tough call, tough call. (Eyes Dustin) I'd go with Toothless.
Dustin: My teeth are coming in, I told you a million times, it's called cleidocranial dysplasia.
James (mocking lisp): I told you a million times.
Troy: Do the arm thing.
Dustin hesitates.
James: Do it, freak.
Dustin sighs, relents. He pulls his arms across his body. Because Dustin has no collar bones, his arms stretch all the way across. The bullies share disgusted looks, shiver...
Troy: Gets me every time! Every time!
They shove past our boys and head into the school, laughing.
Lucas (under breath): Numbskulls.
Lucas's scent flares with anger. But his gaze drifts to a teacher standing at the classroom door.
Dustin sling one's arm around, smothering the smell. "Watcha doin'?... It's our secret weapon, remember?... Why it came out anyway?"
Lucas: Dunno.
HAWKINS HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
Nancy heads into the high school.
HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY
Nancy wades through a bustling hallway.
Barbara, 16, her best friend, a bit dorky, catches up.
Barbara: So? Did he call?
Nancy: Keep your voice down
Barbara: Did he?
Nancy shakes her head. Walks up to her locker.
Nancy: I told you, it's not like that.
Barbara shoots her a look.
Nancy: Okay, I mean, yes, fine, he likes me, you know, but not like that. (Lowers voice) We just made out a couple times.
Barbara (mocking): "We just made out a couple times." Jesus, you're gonna be so cool now it's ridiculous.
Nancy: No I'm not!
Barbara: You better still hang out with me, that's all I'm saying. If you become friends with Carol and Tommy H.
Nancy: Gross. And I'm telling you, this was just a one-time... (off Barbara) ... two-time thing, alright?
Nancy silences. There is a floded note taped to the inside her locker, addressed "NANCY." She opens it. It reads:
MEET ME. BATHROOM. STEVE.
Nancy looks up at Barbara. Speechless.
Barbara: You were saying?
HIGH SCHOOL - GIRLS' BATHROOM
Nancy is now full on making out with Steve Harrington, 16, wealthy, athletic, charm to spare. Their make-out session gets more and more intense when...
The bell rings. Nancy crashes back to reality. She pulls away from Steve. Her cheeks are flushed.
Nancy: Okay... I... I have to go.
Steve: One more minute.
Steve kisses her again. Nancy gives in for a bit, but...
Nancy: Steve...
Steve (between kissing): Yeah...
Nancy: I really... (kiss) ... like, seriously... (kiss) ... have to go.
She finally tears away from him. Pulls on her backpack.
Steve: Let's do something tonight, yeah?
Nancy: I-I can't... I have to study. For Kaminsky's chem test.
Steve: What's your GPA again? Three-pointninenineineninenine?
Nancy: Kaminsky's tests are impossible.
Steve: So let me help.
Nancy: You failed chem.
Steve: C-minus.
Nancy: Oh, well, in that case...
Steve: So should I come over, say, eight?
Nancy: Uh, are you crazy? My mom won't allow that, no way.
Steve: Who says she needs to "allow" anything? I'll just climb through your window. She won't even know I'm there. I'm stealthy, like a ninja.
Nancy: You are crazy.
Steve: Okay, okay, forget your place. We'll just chill in my car, find a nice quiet place to park.
Nancy: Steve, I have to study. I'm not kidding.
Steve: Why do you think I want it nice and quiet?
Nancy can't help but smile. "You're an idiot, Steve Harrington".
Nancy heads for the door. At the last second:
Nancy: I'll meet you at Dearborn and Maple. At eight. To study!
With that, she's out.
Steve gives a victorious karate chop!
Cheerful, Steve approaches the mirror. He adjusts his hair. Then stares blankly as he notices something's off. His smile is gone.
Quickly, almost panicking, Steve flips open a small pharmacy box. The box has a carefully set wrapping. It reads:
VITAMINS.
Steve shakes out a capsule. Brownish-black. And takes it down his throat.
HAWKINS POLICE STATION - MORNING
An American flag flutters on a flagpole.
Outside the local police station is quaint. As in, really quaint. If the sign out front didn't read "POLICE", you'd probably mistake it for a gift shop.
Hopper's chevy blazer police car pulls into the lot.
POLICE STATION - ENTRANCE
Hopper lumbers inside. Smoking a cigarette.
His secretary, Florence, 61, sits behind a glass partition.
Florence: Good of you to show.
Hopper: Mornin' to you too, Flo.
Hopper heads straight into...
POLICE STATION - BULLPEN
He makes a beeline for the coffee machine.
Officer Callahan and officer Powell look up from a game of five-card draw, their boots kicked up on their desks.
The mood here is casual, to say the least.
Officer Callahan: You look like hell, Chief.
Hopper: Your wife looked worse when I left her.
Powell cackles at this. Burn!
Hopper begins to make himself a cup of coffee. Florence walks up to Hopper, yanks the cigarette out of his mouth, and snubs it out.
Florence: While you were drinking or sleeping or whatever it is you deem so important on Monday mornings, Phil Larson called, said some kids stole the gnomes out of his garden again.
Hopper: Gnomes again, huh? Yeah, tell Phil I'll get right on that.
Hopper heads back through the bullpen with his coffee. He's already lighting up another cigarette.
Florence nips at his heels.
Florence: A more pressing matter, Joyce. Byers can't find her son this
morning.
Hopper: Yeah, alright, I'll give her a call. Just give me a minute.
Florence: Chief, Joyce is very upset and...
Hopper: What have we talked about? Morning is a time for contemplation and coffee.
Florence: Chief, she's...
Hopper: Contemplation. And coffee.
Hopper heads up to the second floor.
POLICE STATION - UPSTAIRS
He crashes to a stop. Almost spilling his coffee. Shit.
Joyce is already in his office. She looks back at him. Not happy.
POLICE STATION - HOPPER'S OFFICE
WHAP! WHAP! WHAP! Type-hammers slam ink onto a police report.
A single, ominous word forms one letter at a time: "MISSING."
Hopper looks up from the typewriter. He now has on a pair of reading glasses, which lend him a more earnest look. His desk, however, shatters the illusion: it's cluttered with papers and mugs and candy wrappers, like the desk of a child.
Joyce paces. Dragging on a cigarette. She's on edge. So far out she might just fall right off.
Joyce: I've been waiting an hour.
Hopper: And I apologize again.
Joyce: An hour!
Hopper: I understand. But a boy his age, most likely he's playing hookey.
Joyce: Not my Will, no. He wouldn't do that. He's not like that.
Hopper: You never know. My mother thought I was on the debate team, when really I was screwing Chrissy Carpenter in the back of my dad's boat.
Joyce: Will's not like you. He's not like me. He's not like most.
She's takes another drag on her cigarette. Fights tears.
Joyce: He's got a couple of friends. But everyone else, they... they make fun of him. Call him names, laugh at him, his clothes...
Hopper: His clothes? What's wrong with his clothes?
Joyce: I-I don't know. Does it matter?
Hopper: Maybe.
Joyce takes another drag.
Joyce: Lonnie... Lonnie always said he was queer...
Hopper: Is he?
Joyce: He's missing. That's what he is.
Hopper scratches his stubble. "You hear from Lonnie lately?"
Joyce hesitates. This is an uncomfortable subject. "He was in Indianapolis last I heard. That was about a year ago. But he's got nothing to do with this."
Hopper rummages around his desk. Unearths a pen and a pad. "What's his number?"
Joyce: I told you, he's got nothin' to do with this.
Hopper: Kid goes missing, ninety-nine times outta a hundred the kid's with a parent or relative.
Joyce: What about the other time?
Hopper: What?
Joyce: You said "ninety-nine outta a hundred." What about the other time? The one.
Hopper removes his reading glasses. Leans forward.
Hopper: This is Hawkins, Joyce. In four years, you know the worst thing I've seen? You know what it was? (Beat.) When that owl attacked Eleanor Gillepsie. Thought her hair was a nest. I mean, it does look like a nest, doesn't it? All that frizz?
Hopper chuckles at the memory. Trying to lighten the mood.
Joyce begins to relax a little. But only a little.
Joyce: I'll call Lonnie. He'll talk to me before he talks to a...
Hopper: ... pig?
Joyce: Cop.
Joyce sits down. She snuffs her cigarette in an ashtray. Then she looks back up at Hopper. Her eyes are bloodshot. Glassy.
Joyce: Find my son, Hop. Find him.
Hopper takes this in. All at once he feels burdened with a responsibility he doesn't want. He finds his composure, nudges his glasses back on his nose, and resumes typing.
Hammer type slams paper. WHAP! WHAP! WHAP!
HAWKINS LABS - CORRIDOR - DAY
WHAP! WHAP! WHAP! Shoes drum on linoleum as...
Dr. Martin Brenner, 40s, leads a group of NSA agents through the corridors of the lab. Dr. Brenner wears a casual suit, loose tie, stubble. He clearly hasn't slept in some time.
All around them: chaos. Scientists whipping to and fro.
Scientist #1 turns to the lead agent.
Scientist #1: We've evacuated the east wing, sealed it off, following quarantine protocol.
They arrive at a plastic quarantine door.
Brenner zips open the plastic door and...
HAWKINS LABS - PREPARATION ROOM
Dr. Brenner, Scientist #1, the agents, and a trio of soldiers silently dress into hazmat suits. They secure hoods. Gloves. Boots.
HAWKINS LABS - FREIGHT ELEVATOR
The freight elevator groans and shudders as it carries...
Dr. Brenner, Scientist #1, the agents, the soldiers down into the bowels of the labs. The soldiers are armed with M16-style rifles with barrel-mounted flashlights.
The Lead Agent looks up at the ceiling, uneasy, and...
HAWKINS LABS - SUB-LEVEL CORRIDOR
WHOOM! The elevator crashes to a halt. The doors open.
The group exits into the dark corridor. Retraces the path of the scientist of yesterday.
As their flashlights sweep around, we see that a few things have changed since then: The fluorescent lights are now completely dead. The atmosphere is dense, clouded in a white fog... spore-like particles dance in the air... there are cracks in the cement... It's like this place is... dying.
HAWKINS LABS - MAIN LABORATORY
The group of men enter the lab. Sweep the area.
It's a total nightmare in there. Fleshy mold-like growths cling to the walls, and the atmosphere is even denser, making it difficult to see.
Scientist #1: Doctor Shepherd and Doctor Braun were over there, Doctor Wilkins and Doctor Manning over there...
He motions at an observation window.
Scientist #1: ... myself and Doctor Brenner were observing.
Lead Agent's flashlight cuts through fog, illuminates...
The Far Wall. This is the beating heart of this subterranean nightmare. Fleshy mold-like growths smother the entire wall, alive, wet, throbbing. In the center of this growth, there is what appears to be a twelve-foot-diameter opening. This is...
The rift. It undulates. Almost breathing. Alive.
Heavy breathing through gas masks as our men take in this extraordinary sight.
Agent #1: ... This is where it came from?
Dr. Brenner nods.
Lead agent (to Dr. Brenner): And the girl...?
Dr. Brenner: She can't have gone far.
Somewhere in the lab, an upright isolation tank. It has a clear viewing window. It's filled with water. But no one's in there. Not anymore.
BENNY'S BURGERS AND ICE CREAM - DAY
Two bare feet. Stepping onto grass.
A young girl, 12, standing outside a forest.
Her hair is buzzed close to the scalp. Her feet are bare. Her skin is pale. She wears a tattered white hospital gown spattered with mud.
She is more like a wild animal than a child.
She stares at a run-down restaurant. A sign reads: "BENNY'S BURGERS AND ICE CREAM."
The side screen door swings open and...
Benny Hammond, late 40s, lumbers out carrying a trash bag. He has sleeve tattoos, a greasy apron wrapped around his waist.
The young girl watches him closely as...
He dumps out the trash, then heads back inside.
BENNY'S BURGERS - STORAGE ROOM
The young girl sneaks through the side screen door.
She creeps forward into...
BENNY'S BURGERS - DINING ROOM
She stops and watches very intently as, in the dining room, Benny drops a plate of burgers and fries off at a table of chain-smoking regulars.
As they begin an idle sports talk...
BENNY'S BURGERS - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
The young girl sneaks into the kitchen.
She steps up to a pan of french fries. She reaches in and picks one up. It's almost... like she's never seen a french fry in her life.
She tries it. Loves it. She starts to eat more when...
Benny: Hey!
She snaps back around.
Benny is headed back into the kitchen.
She grabs up the pan of french fires and sprints out of the kitchen. She blows through the swinging doors... sprints through the dining room... and races as fast as she can for the back door!
But a split second before she reaches the door...
WHAAM! Benny catches her.
The french fries go scattering across the floor.
Benny whirls her around.
Benny: Think you can steal from me, boy?
The girl writhes in his arms, trying to tear free but...
Benny holds her tight. But his expression softens as he realizes that this is no boy at all. It's also not a girl either, not exactly, at least not like any he has ever seen.
Benny:... What in the hell?
Finally the girl stops struggling. She locks eyes with Benny. Breathing hard.
HAWKINS GENERAL HOSPITAL - WAITING ROOM
A sterile, brightly lit waiting room. Dull blue walls. Several uncomfortable-looking plastic chairs. Posters on the wall feature smiling families and slogans like "Embrace Your Designation" and "Know Your True Self."
Mike is pacing a small area of the room. Karen is sitting, reading a magazine without turning the pages.
Karen: Michael, please. You’re going to wear a hole in the floor. Sit down.
Mike: I can’t, Mom. I need them to take the sample now. I need this done.
Karen: We’re doing this, Mike. We paid for the full re-genotyping panel. Take a deep breath.
Mike stops pacing and turns to her. His voice's tight with frustration.
Mike: But you still don't get it! They have to be wrong. The first test was a fluke. A faulty machine, a contaminated sample, I don't know!
Karen (setting the magazine down): Michael, listen to me. Labs like this don't make mistakes. The genotyping is almost one hundred percent accurate.
Mike: Exactly! That’s why I need them to check again! I know I’m an Alpha, I can feel it. I feel protective, I feel driven! I smell... different than the other Omegas in school. I'm a late bloomer, that's all!
A door opens. Dr. Reyes, a tired-looking woman in a lab coat, steps out.
Dr. Reyes: Michael? We're ready for you.
Karen gives Mike a worried glance. He squares his shoulders, a confident, almost fierce look on his face.
HAWKINS GENERAL HOSPITAL - GENOTYPING LAB
As Mike enters the back lab, Karen rests her hand on his shoulder for a moment.
Dr. Reyes: We’re just going to do a quick redraw, Michael. This time, we’ll run the full genetic marker analysis alongside the standard pheromone profile. It’s the most thorough test we offer.
Karen: Just relax, honey.
Mike: I'm relaxed... (Eyes Dr. Reyes) It needs to be thorough. The first one was incorrect. My friend Will also got it wrong.
Dr. Reyes: We understand. That’s why we’re happy to repeat the test with the highest possible scrutiny.
Nurse #1 prepares the needle. Mike stares intensely at the posters on the wall, refusing to look at the needle or his mother.
Mike (muttering): Alpha. Alpha. Strong Alpha.
Karen (softly): Michael.
Nurse #1: And done! That wasn't so bad, was it?
Mike watches the dark red blood fill the vial, transfixed. Nurse #1 quickly withdraws the needle and applies a small bandage.
Mike: When... when will we know?
Dr. Reyes: With the full analysis, we’re looking at seventy-two hours. We’ll call you the moment we have the final confirmation.
Karen: Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Reyes: We'll be in touch soon. Michael, be well.
Mike slides off the chair. He gives one last, lingering look at the vial of his blood in Dr. Reyes's hand.
WOODS (FLASHBACK) - DAY
Joyce strides through the woods.
She still wears her Melvald's uniform, but she looks calmer than expected... happier.
Her destination?
A small child's fort, a beautiful teepee constructed out of sticks and tarp. Even though it is makeshift, you can tell that a lot of attention and care went into building this.
A hand-painted sign out front reads: "CASTLE BYERS."
Joyce kneels down by the "sheet" door.
Joyce: Ding dong! Anyone home?
A familiar voice answers from inside the fort.
Will: Password?
Joyce: Rad-fast... no... (beat, remembering) Rhada... Rhadagast.
Will: You may enter.
Joyce pulls aside the sheet and enters...
CASTLE BYERS (FLASHBACK)
It's a twelve-year-old boy's dream in here. Comic books. Drawings. Toys. And, sure enough, sitting inside...
Will. He's reading a comic.
Joyce: I got off early today, you believe that? And I was thinking...
She removes two movie tickets to "POLTERGEIST". 7pm.
Joyce: What do you say?
Will leans forward and grabs the tickets, excited.
Will: I thought I wasn't allowed.
Joyce: Well, I changed my mind. But I swear, if you have nightmares all week.
Will: I won't, I don't get scared like that anymore.
Joyce: Not even by clowns
Will: No.
Joyce: What about when I do my witch?
Will: No.
Joyce: No?
Will: I'm not five anymore.
Joyce starts to curl her hand. Turning herself into an old witch.
Will: Mom, stop, it's just gross.
She closes one eye.
Joyce: I'm going to get you William Byers! I'm going to cook you in my stew!
Will: Mom!
She grabs him and tickles him.
As his laughs fill the small fort...
CASTLE BYERS (THE PRESENT) - DAY
An empty fort.
Joyce's there. She's desperate.
A panicked voice shatters the silence:
Jonathan: Will! Will!!!!
Jonathan calls into the empty woods for his brother.
Joyce exits the fort and joins his side. "Will!!! Will!!!!"
There is no response.
Only silence.
BENNY'S BURGERS - KITCHEN - DAY
SNAP-HISS! A well-seasoned hamburger patty slaps to the broiler. Benny tends it.
BENNY'S BURGERS - DINING ROOM
Benny alides a plate of burger-and-fries to the young girl.
She is seated at a table in the dining room. It is just her now; the regulars are gone.
Her gown has been replaced with a "BENNY'S BURGERS AND ICE CREAM" T-shirt. It droops to her knees like a dress.
The girl snatches up the burger and begin to devour it.
Benny: Your parents forget to feed you?
The girl doesn't respond. Just keeps eating.
Benny: That why you ran away?
Still nothing.
Benny: They... hurt you?
Nothing.
Benny: And... you went to the hospital, that it? But you got scared, ran off, found your way here?
The girl finally looks up at Benny. Has he hit close to the mark? It seems like she is finally going to speak, but then she returns to eating her burger.
Benny has no choice. He yanks away the plate.
The girl looks up at him, confused.
Benny: I'll give it back, you can have as much as you like, maybe even some ice cream; but first, you gotta answer a few 'a my questions. We got a deal?
No response.
Benny: We'll start easy. My name's Benny. Benny Hammond.
He holds out his hand. Wraps it around her tiny hand.
Benny: Nice to meet ya. And you are...?
Still no response. Benny sighs. He starts to withdraw his hand when he notices a small tattoo on the inside of her lower left wrist. It reads in simple black lettering: 011.
Benny: "Eleven"?
The young girl yanks her hand away.
Benny: What's that mean?
Young girl: No.
Benny: Well I'll be damned. She speaks. (Beat, considers) No? No what?
Still nothing.
Benny: Alright, guess "no" more food then.
Benny starts to walks with her plate when:
Young girl: ... Eleven.
Benny turns back around.
Benny: Eleven. Yeah. What's it mean?
The young girl points to herself. "Eleven."
BENNY'S BURGERS - DINING ROOM
"Eleven" is finishing off her fries. She becomes aware of a soft, high-pitched noise. Eeeee. Eeee. Eeee. She looks up. It's an old and rusty oscillating metal fan. It squeaks with every turn. Eeeee. Eeee. Eeeee.
It is incessant. Annoying. Eleven narrows her eyes and...
The fan and the blades stop. Like they somehow froze.
Eleven looks away. Content now.
She continues eating her fries. Then, she hears something:
BENNY'S BURGERS - KITCHEN - DAY
A phone book open to the social services page.
Benny is now on a corded phone in the kitchen. Voice hushed.
Benny: ... All I know is, poor thing's scared to death... confused... (beat) I think she's been abused or kidnapped or somethin'. (Beat) It's 4819 Randolph Lane. Randolph, right. (Beat, starts to spell) R-A-N...
As Benny continues to talk, Eleven walk into the the room, looking fierce, but terrified.
Eleven: Stop.
Benny takes the phone away from his ear. Looks at her, puzzled. It takes him a while to understand.
Benny: Don't be scared. These people? They help.
Eleven: Stop.
Benny sucks in his cheeks. "Look, kid, I can't keep you here... (Beat.) Go back to your food".
Benny brings the phone back to his ear, but...
Eleven: Stop!
Benny freezes. Unnaturally. His muscles tense up. And the next thing he does is hang up the phone.
Then, he breathes. His shoulders and chest rise. He blinks once and looks up, dazed.
Benny: What the actual fuck…
MIDDLE SCHOOL - MR. CLARKE'S SCIENCE CLASS - DAY
EEEEEEE! A bell blares and chaos reigns as...
A swarm of middle schoolers grab up their books and backpacks and hurry out of class, talking loudly amongst themselves.
Their teacher, Mr. Clarke, 30s, calls after them:
Mr. Clarke: Remember: Finish Chapter Twelve, and answer twelve-point-three on the difference between an experiment and other forms of science investigation.
Mr. Clarke silences as he realizes he's talking to no one. Everybody is gone. Well, that is, almost everybody.
Dustin: Did it come?
Lucas and Dustin approach excitedly by his desk.
Mr. Clarke hesitates. Gives the boys a sad look. "Sorry, boys, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but... (Beat.) It came."
MIDDLE SCHOOL - A.V. CLUB ROOM
The door to the A.V. Club bursts open. Our boys race inside. Mr. Clarke follows close behind.
Mr. Clarke: The Heathkit ham shack. Ain't she a beaut?
A brand-new ham radio sits on a desk amidst a pile of older equipment. The boys examine it with wide, expectant eyes.
Dustin: I bet you can talk to New York on this thing.
Mr. Clarke: Think bigger.
Lucas: California?
Mr. Clarke: Bigger.
Dustin: Australia?
Another nod. Holllly shit.
Lucas: Oh man. When Will sees this he's going to totally lose his shit.
Mr. Clarke: Lucas.
Lucas: Sorry.
The boys sits down by the radio.
Lucas: Let's try to tune in to Mike first.
As Lucas starts to work the dials, Dustin grabs up the transceiver, practices:
Dustin: 'Ello, this is Dustin Henderson. Calling Michael Wheeler. You copy? Mike?... Did you bring the radio like you said?
STATIC.
Mike: Guys?
Dustin: Yes! Yes.
Mike: Guys?
Dustin: Mike? You copy? Mike?
Silence follows static. Soon, the door bursts open, with Mike bursting in shouting:
Mike: You guys shouldn't use that for just calling me!
Lucas and Dustin scream in unison.
Mr. Clarke: Excuse me? Mr. Wheeler.
Mike: Sorry, Mr. Clarke.
Dustin/Lucas: Mike!
Both boys run to greet him.
Lucas: Hey. What was it? What came up on your exams?
Dustin: Was it really a mistake?
Mike: No doubt 'bout it now.... I am an alpha.
Dustin: That's awesome, man! Now with two alphas, Troy and James are going to bite the dust.
Mike: I have to tell Will. Maybe he can correct his as well.
A sharp knocking sound interrupts the fun. Mr. Clarke turns. The principal is in the doorway.
Middle-school principal: Sorry to interrupt... but may I borrow Michael, Lucas, and Dustin?
Chief Hopper and Officer Callahan now step into view.
Mike, Lucas, and Dustin's expressions darken.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
Hopper: ... So you were... racing?
Our three boys are now scrunched together on a couch.
Hopper and Callahan sit opposite.
Dustin: It was me and him, actually.
Lucas: My house is the first up.
Mike: He takes Mirkwood home.
Dustin: We were racing on a bet and...
Hopper: Whoa, whoa, whoa. One at a time. (Points at Mike) You. You said he takes... what?
Mike: Mirkwood.
Hopper: "Mirkwood?" (to Callahan) You ever hear of a "Mirkwood?"
Officer Callahan: Sounds made-up.
Lucas: It's from "Lord of the Rings" --
Dustin: "The Hobbit".
Lucas: It doesn't matter!
Dustin: He asked!
Hopper: Hey! What'd I just say? One at a damn time.
He points at Mike. "You."
Mike: Mirkwood. It's a real road. It's just the name that's made-up.
Hopper: What's its real name?
Mike: I don't know. It's where Cornwallis and Kerley meet.
Hop jets this information down onto his pad.
Hopper: Yeah, I think I know it.
Mike: We can show you
Hopper: I said I know it.
Mike: We could help look
Hopper looks up at Mike sharply.
Hopper: No, after school, you go straight home. All of you.
He looks at the other boys. Making eye contact with each.
Hopper: That means no biking around looking for your friend, no investigating, no nonsense. This isn't some "Lord the Rings" book
Dustin: "The Hobbit."
Hopper bites his tongue.
Hopper: Do I make myself clear? (Firmer) I make myself clear?
The boys share looks. Worried. Shaken by his tone.
They nod.
FOREST ROAD - DAY
WHOOSH! Two police cars speed down the road.
WOODS - MIRKWOOD SHORTCUT - MINUTES LATER
Hopper trudges down the road, searching for signs of Will.
Behind him, we can see Callahan and Powell. They call out:
Officer Callahan: Will Byers?! Will Byers?!
Officer Powell: Will?!
Hopper pulls a vial out of his pocket. Pops two more of those red-and-blue pills. And... his eyes narrow. Noticing something off the side of the road.
WOODS
Hopper heads into the woods. Calls out to Callahan and Powell:
Hopper: Hey, I got something here.
Hop kneels down by...
Will's bicycle. Brushes away some leaves.
Callahan and Powell race over to him.
Officer Callahan: That his bike, Chief?
Hopper nods. Notes some scraped bark.
Hopper: Looks like he crashed.
Officer Callahan: Maybe he got hurt in the fall.
Hopper looks back to the road. Squints in the sun.
Hopper: Not so hurt he couldn't make it home. And a bike to these kids... that's like a Cadillac. Doesn't make sense he'd leave it out here. (Beat) He'd walk it home.
A beat. Then:
Hopper: He was in hurry.
HAWKINS LABS - RADIO MONITORING ROOM
A half-dozen agents are seated before bulky radio equipment, all wearing headphones. Listening to...
Parent voice (filtered): ... going to the store...
Teacher voice (filtered): ... be home by...
Office worker voice (filtered): ... meeting with Tom in ten...
They're listening in on the town. Spying. The last agent in the line is listening to a familiar voice:
Joyce's voice (over phone): Lonnie. It's Joyce.
Cynthia's voice (over phone): Lonnie isn't here right now.
BYERS HOUSE - KITCHEN - AFTERNOON
Joyce is on the phone. Pacing. Dragging hard on a cigarette.
Joyce: Who is this? Cynthia? This is Joyce... Joyce, Lonnie's ex-wife. I need to speak to him... This is an emergency... no, not later, now bitch.
CLICK. The phone goes dead. Joyce burns with anger.
In the living room, Jonathan works on a missing person poster.
Jonathan: Mom, you need to stay calm.
Joyce: I'm calm.
She hangs up, dials the number again. The phone rings.
But this time no one answers. It goes to message.
Lonnie's voice (over phone, filtered): Hey, you've reached Lonnie, I'm not here at the moment but...
Joyce's rage rises and rises and... BEEP. Her turn.
Joyce: Lonnie, some teenage whore just hung up on me. You don't call me back in the next hour I'll report you for not paying child support I swear to God I will and I'll make sure you rot in jail where you belong.
WHAM! Joyce slams the phone down.
Jonathan: Mom.
Joyce: What?
And that's when we realize: Jonathan isn't looking at her.
He's looking out the window.
Jonathan: Cops.
BYERS HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER - AFTERNOON
Joyce explodes out onto the porch. Jonathan follows. It's Hopper and the officers, parking in the driveway.
As Hop exits, he pulls Will's bike out of the back. Joyce and Jonathan fight panic and...
BYERS HOUSE - LATER - AFTERNOON
Hopper and his officers search the Byers' house.
Joyce and Jonathan trail. On edge.
Joyce: And it was just sitting there?
Hopper: Yes.
Joyce: Was there any blood or...?
Hopper: No.
Jonathan: If you found his bike out there, why're you here?
Hopper: He's got a key to the house?
Jonathan: Yeah.
Hopper: So maybe he came back here.
Joyce: So, what? You think I haven't checked my own house?!
Hopper: Never said you didn't.
Hopper inspects the back door. The adjacent wall is dented, the paint chipped. He opens the door: its handle aligns with the damaged wall. Someone threw it open. Hard.
Hopper: This always here?
Joyce: Probably. I got two boys. Look at this place.
Hopper: But you're not sure?
Joyce hesitates. Not sure. Suddenly they hear whimpering. Coming from the back.
BYERS HOUSE - BACK YARD - AFTERNOON
Hopper and Joyce step outside onto the porch.
They find Chester pacing in front of the shed. Whimpering.
Hopper: This normal?
Joyce: Just hungry, I'm sure. Come on...
Joyce leads Chester back to the house by his collar.
But Hopper doesn't follow. Not yet. His eyes turn to the shed.
BYERS HOUSE - JONATHAN'S ROOM
Callahan and Powell inspect Jonathan's room.
Jonathan watches them, arms crossed.
Jonathan: What're you looking for exactly?
They ignore him. Powell checks under the bed. Nothing.
Callahan eyes an "EVIL DEAD" poster on the wall.
Officer Callahan: What's going on there?
Jonathan: The tree's possessed. It's... going inside her.
Officer Callahan: Yeeeeeeesh.
Officer Powell: Hey kid, you got some water or juice or something? Dying here.
Jonathan nods. Exits.
Callahan exhales. Looks at Powell.
Officer Callahan: You see that?
Officer Powell: See what?
Officer Callahan: Suspect number one. Am I right?
BYERS SHED - AFTERNOON
EEEEEEE. Wood GROANS as Hopper heads into the shed. Still dark in here.
Hop flips a light switch. The naked light bulb hums to life.
He walks up to the rifle wall mount. The rifle is, of course, missing. He inspects the mount. There are fingerprints in the dust. Someone was here... recently.
BZZZZ! The light bulb begins to flicker.
Hopper turns and looks up at the light. It fluctuates, growing bright, then dim, then bright, then dim, then...
WHOOM. The light cuts out. leaving us in darkness.
We hear a faint guttural sound. Like some kind of growl.
Hopper looks around. 'The hell is that coming from?
Hopper: That you, buddy? You hungry?
Hop removes a flashlight from his utility belt, clicks it on, and slowly sweeps its beam across the darkness. He makes out nothing. But that sound, whatever the hell it is, persists.
Gets louder. Louder. Louder still. And then...
The beam illuminates an approaching figure.
Hop reaches for his gun, but...
Officer Callahan steps into the light.
Officer Callahan: You deaf? I've been callin' you.
Hopper looks back at the light bulb. It flickers back to life. Returning to 48 Watts. Strange.
Hop shakes it off and...
BYERS HOUSE - BACK YARD - AFTERNOON
Hopper strides to the Byers house. Moving fast.
Callahan struggles to keep up...
Officer Callahan: You sure you're alright, Chief?
Hopper: I want you to call Florence, have her get a search party together, as many volunteers as she can muster, flashlights too.
Officer Callahan: Think we got a problem here?
Hopper doesn't answer. Uncertain. He heads inside. The door slaps shut.
NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
HISS! A sprinkler kicks on. Night in the suburbs again.
Mike: We should be out there right now. We should be helping look for him.
WHEELER HOUSE - DINING ROOM
The Wheeler family is seated at the dining table.
A home-cooked meal is before them. But Mike isn't eating.
Karen: We've been over this. The chief said...
Mike: I don't care what the chief said.
Karen: Michael.
Mike: He's not even real police, Mom. We have to do something. Will could be in danger!
Karen: More reason to stay put.
Mike: Mom.
Karen: End of discussion.
Mike looks away, upset. The family resumes eating in silence. Or, rather, some of them do. Nancy just moves her food around with a fork. Then, in as casual a tone as she can summon:
Nancy: So... me and Barb... we're gonna study for the chemistry test at her house tonight. That's cool, right?
Karen looks up from her meal.
Karen: No. Not cool.
Nancy: What? Why not?
Karen: Why do you think? Am I speaking Chinese in this house? Until we know Will's okay, no one leaves.
Nancy: So we're under house arrest?
Karen: Don't be dramatic, Nancy.
Nancy: This is such bullshit!
Ted: Language!
Nancy: Barb lives two minutes away, just because Mike's friend got lost on his way home...
Mike: This is Will's fault?!
Karen: Nancy, take that back.
Nancy: No!
Mike: You're just pissed because you
wanna hang out with Steve.
Ted: Steve?
Karen: Who is Steve?
Mike: Her new boyfriend.
Nancy: You're such a douche Mike!
Ted: Language!!!
Nancy shoves out of her chair. Storms off.
Karen: Nancy! Come back! Nancy!
But Nancy is already bounding up the stairs to her bedroom.
Karen wants to follow her but can't; the argument has caused Holly to cry. Karen picks her up and rocks her in her arms.
Karen: There, there, shhhh...
Ted: See, Michael: This is what happens.
Mike: What happens when what? I'm the only one acting normal here. I'm the only who cares about Will!
Ted takes a bite out of a chicken drum. Chews. "That's not fair, Michael. We care."
Mike stares at his dad. He can't take his apathy, not tonight. He stands up from the table and hurries off.
Holly cries louder. Ted continues to chew.
Karen shoots daggers at him.
Karen: I hope you're enjoying your chicken, Ted.
She carries Holly out of the room.
WOODS - NIGHT
A constellation of flashlights glimmer in the night.
Over two dozen search and rescue volunteers are scouring the woods for Will. They wear orange vests, grave expressions.
Mr. Clarke walks at Hopper's side. "He's a good student."
Hopper turns. Surprised this man is speaking to him.
Hopper: What's that?
Mr. Clarke: Will. He's a good student. A great one, actually. I can't fathom him getting into any kind of trouble.
Hopper nods. Looks away.
Mr. Clarke offers his hand.
Mr. Clarke: I don't think we've met. Scott Clarke. I teach at Hawkins Middle. Earth and Biology.
Hopper shakes his hand. Then averts his gaze.
Hopper: Always had a distaste for science.
Mr. Clarke: Maybe you had a bad teacher.
Hopper: Ms. Ratliff was a nasty piece of work.
Mr. Clarke: Ratliff? You bet. She's still kicking around, believe it or not.
Hopper: Oh I believe it. Mummies don't die, or so they tell me.
Mr. Clarke smiles softly. He lets out his scent.
Hopper purses his lips. Other scents might cover Will's. But he says nothing.
Mr. Clarke: So you're local?
Hopper: Class of fifty-eight.
Mr. Clarke: Sixty-two. Just missed each other.
They walk for another beat. Hopper seems lost in thought.
Hopper: Sara, my daughter. Galaxies, the universe, whatnot: She always understood that stuff. Maybe she got it from her mother, I dunno. There's enough down here, I don't need to go lookin' elsewhere.
Mr. Clarke: Your daughter. What grade is she? Maybe I'll get her in my class.
Hopper: She lives in the city. With her mother.
Mr. Clarke: Oh.
Hopper slaps Mr. Clarke on the back. "Thanks for coming out, teach. Appreciate it."
Hopper picks up his pace, leaving Mr. Clarke behind.
A nearby volunteer whispers to Mr. Clarke: "She passed a few years back."
Mr. Clarke: Sorry?
Volunteer: His kid.
Mr. Clarke darkens. He looks back at Hopper.
He is a distant silhouette now.
Mr. Clarke picks up the pace. Gets closer.
WHEELER HOUSE - BASEMENT - NIGHT
Mike is lying down by the Dungeons-and-Dragons map. He looks worried and restless. He examines the field of miniatures. The Troglodytes... the knight... the dwarf... and the wizard.
He picks up the wizard. Studies it. Considering.
MOMENTS LATER
Mike is now at the table. Calling into a walkie-talkie.
Mike: Lucas? It's Mike. You copy? Lucas?
Lucas finally answers. His voice crackles.
Lucas's voice (over walkie): Hey, it's Lucas.
Mike: I know it's you. And say "over" when you're done talking or I don't know you're done. Over.
Lucas's voice: I'm done. Over.
Mike: I'm worried about Will. Over.
Lucas's voice: Yeah. This is crazy. Over.
Mike: I was thinking... Will could've cast Protection last night. But he didn't. He cast Fireball. Over.
Lucas's voice: What's your point? Over.
Mike: My point is... he could've played it safe. But he didn't. He put himself in danger to help the party. Over.
A very long beat. Then:
Lucas's voice: Meet me in ten. Over and out.
LATER STILL
Mike jams a few flashlights into his backpack.
WHEELER HOUSE - NIGHT
Mike wheels his bike out of the garage. He starts down the driveway when he suddenly notices...
Steve. He's attempting to climb up to Nancy's room. He locks eyes with Mike. A very awkward beat.
Steve holds up a hand. Hey.
Mike just stares. Unbelievable. Then, without saying a word, he climbs on his bike... and pedals off into the night.
WHEELER HOUSE - NANCY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Nancy sits at her desk, morosely studying her chem book, when she hears a dull sound: TAP TAP TAP. She turns to find...
Steve outside her window. Nancy stares in shock, tries to wave him away, but he just knocks again, more urgently.
Nancy hurries over and opens the window.
Nancy (whispers urgently): What're you doing? I told you I have to stay in tonight.
Steve: I know, so we'll study here.
Nancy: No, I told you, absolutely not, go
away!
Steve: I don't want you failing tomorrow.
Steve climbs in anyway...
Or tries to. His foot catches on the window frame and he stumbles, nearly toppling over a bedside lamp. He catches himself, turns back to Nancy, and strikes a pose.
Steve: What'd I tell you? A ninja.
Nancy shakes her head. Unbelievable. She shuts the window. Closes the blinds. WHOOSH!
BENNY'S BURGERS - KITCHEN - NIGHT
WHOOSH! Water rushes out of a faucet as Benny cleans dishes.
Eleven sits on a counter. She eats strawberry ice cream out of a pint-sized container.
Benny: You like that ice cream, huh?
Eleven looks at him, smiles. For the first time this day, she seems like an actual kid. Benny knocks off the faucet.
Benny: Hey. A smile looks good on ya.
Eleven stares at him. Confused.
Benny: A smile.
Benny gives a big smile. Eleven smiles back.
Benny's smile, though, fades without him noticing.
Benny (soft): Who are you, kid? You're barely old enough to have presented. Yet you voiced me.
Eleven (mazed): Presented?... Voiced?
Benny: Alright. (Gets up) I don't know what's wrong with you. But you can't go through life without knowing that.
Eleven: Know... What?
Benny: Secondary sexes. Alpha? Beta? Omega? (Beat.) You must have presented as an alpha. And a very strong one.
Eleven stares intently at Benny. Until she hears...
The sound of knocking. Someone's at the front door.
Eleven tenses. Nervous.
But there's 'something else' about it. Like a switch. Instinctive fear.
Benny: Just... stay put. Whoever it is, I'll turn 'em away, a'ight?
Eleven watches as...
BENNY'S BURGERS - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Benny lumbers to the front door. He swings it open to find...
A friendly woman, 40s. She smiles.
Friendly woman: You must be Mr. Hammond?
Benny: 'fraid so. Also 'fraid we've closed shop. Why don't you try back tomorrow.
Benny starts to shut the door, but the woman extends a hand.
Friendly woman/Connie: Connie Frazier. Social Services.
Benny stops. Opens the door back up. Embarrassed.
Benny: Social Services. Apologies.
He takes her hand. His grip is firm.
Benny: Didn't think you were gonna make it here so quick. That's a heckuva drive.
Connie: Not too bad this time of night.
Benny nods, lowers his voice.
Benny: Listen. I still haven't told her about you. I didn't want her runnin' off again. She's a tad skittish.
Connie: Children I work with usually are. (Smiles) Where is she now?
Benny: In the back. Come on. I'll introduce ya.
Benny turns and lumbers toward the kitchen. But he finds nothing in there.
Eleven is gone.
Benny: ... What?
FOREST ROAD - NIGHT
Silence as our kids bike down "Mirkwood" road.
Mike leads the way. He slows to stop. Lucas and Dustin pull up beside him.
Lucas: Why are we stopping?
Mike doesn't answer. He just looks off into the woods.
Dustin and Lucas follow his gaze to a find a line of police tape, wrapped around a row of trees along the side of the road.
The reality of what happened hits our boys right here. This isn't some make-believe D&D campaign. This is... real.
BOOM! Heavy rumble shatters the silence.
They boys look up. Sheet lightning flashes the sky, illuminating dark storm clouds.
A plop of water hits Dustin in the face.
Dustin: Oh man. You guys feel that?
Dustin holds out a hand. Watches water strike his palm.
It's raining.
Dustin: Maybe we should go back.
Mike isn't listening. Or if he is, he doesn't care. He removes a walkie from his backpack, hands it to Dustin.
Mike: No splitting up or anything stupid like that, but stay on channel six. Just in case.
With that, Mike heads into the woods, ducking under the caution tape. Lucas follows.
Dustin is now all alone.
BOOM! Another thunder crash! It scares the shit out of him.
Dustin: Hey, guys, wait up! Wait up!
He races after his friends as ANOTHER BOOM rattles us and...
WHEELER HOUSE - NANCY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Steve and Nancy now sit on her bed. A few feet apart.
Steve reads homemade flash cards, while Nancy answers the questions. Music plays on a boombox ("Sweet Dreams" by The Eurythmics) loud enough that their voices don't carry out of the room...
Steve: "... Which Polymers occur naturally?"
Nancy: ... Starch and cellulose.
Steve (yup, switches cards): "In a molecule of CH4, the hydrogen atoms are spatially oriented toward the centers of a regular."
Nancy: Tetrahedron.
Steve (switches card): Jesus, how many of these did you make?
Nancy: You said you wanted to help!
Steve: How 'bout this: Every time you get something right, I have to take off an item of clothing. Every time you get something wrong...
Nancy: Uh, pass.
Steve: Come on, it'll be fun.
Nancy: No!
Steve (next card): "During fractional distillation, hydrocarbons are separated according to their."
Nancy: Melting points.
Steve: EEEEEE! Boiling points.
Nancy: That's what I meant.
Steve: But it's not what you said.
He mimes unbuttoning a shirt.
Nancy: No. No!
Steve: No? You need help?
Steve pushes down on the bed, and kisses her. Soon they're going at it, hot and heavy. After a moment of making out, Steve begins to unbutton her top but...
Nancy stops him.
Nancy: Steve, come on.
Steve: What?
Nancy: Are you crazy? My parents are here.
Steve: (looking around): Weird. I don't see them.
Nancy slides away.
Nancy: Was this your plan all along? Get in my room, then... get another notch on your belt?
Steve: What, no! Jesus, no.
Nancy: I'm not like Laurie. Or Amy. Or... or Becky.
Steve: You mean you're not a slut.
Nancy: That's not what I'm saying.
Steve: You're cute when you lie.
Nancy: Shut up.
Steve smiles. He picks up a Holly Hobbie doll and makes it shake its head in disapproval, speaks in a squeaky voice:
Steve: "Bad Steve, bad; stay away from Miss Nancy!"
Nancy can't help but laugh.
Nancy: You're an idiot, Steve Harrington.
Steve: You're beautiful, Nancy Wheeler.
Nancy blushes.
Steve picks up the flash cards. Clears his throat. And...
Steve: "Compared to the rate of inorganic reactions, the rate of organic reactions generally is..."
Nancy stares, falling for him...
BYERS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Jonathan and Joyce sit around the coffee table.
They are working on the MISSING PERSONS POSTER for Will. Bold red letters at the top read: "HAVE YOU SEEN ME?"
There is an EMPTY SPACE for a photo in the middle.
They flip through the portfolio, looking for a photo. There are many photos of Joyce and Will, as well as the town, and the people who live here. All artfully taken by Jonathan.
Joyce: Wow. Jonathan. These are great...
Jonathan doesn't say anything, embarrassed by the compliment. She flips through more pages.
Joyce: I've been working so much lately... I feel like I barely know what's going on with you anymore...
She looks up. Notices Jonathan is fighting tears.
Joyce: What is it, baby?
Jonathan: Nothing.
Joyce: What is it?
Joyce takes his hand.
Jonathan: It's just... last night... I just... I should've been here.
Joyce squeezes his hand.
Joyce: Hey. This wasn't your fault, baby, you hear me? You hear me?
Jonathan averts his gaze.
Joyce: He's gonna come home soon. I know it. I know it... because I feel him. I feel him in my heart. He's close. He's close. You believe me, Jonathan, right?
Jonathan finally looks at his mom. And nods. Joyce smiles faintly. She then returns to looking at the pictures. She finds one of Will at the park, smiling big.
Joyce: Oh this one. I... I always liked this one.
She holds it up. Jonathan smiles softly.
Jonathan: ... Me too.
An emotional beat. Then:
The kitchen phone blares to life.
Joyce and Jonathan look up sharply. News.
BYERS HOUSE - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Joyce grabs up the phone. Her voice tense, strained.
Joyce: Yes, hel-hello?
There is no answer. But she can hear the sound of low breathing on the other end.
Joyce: Lonnie...? Hopper...?
Still no answer.
Joyce: Who is this?
Jonathan stands up. Getting worried now.
The sound of breathing grows louder. It sounds... like the breathing of a child. Joyce pales. Tears rush to her eyes.
Joyce: Will?!! Will?!!
Jonathan races over to his mom.
Joyce: Where are you, baby?! Talk to me! Will?! Will?!
But Will's breathing is now gone. In its place... another sound. Guttural. Inhuman. Shifting in pitch.
Joyce: Who is this? What have done with my baby?! What have you done?!!
Silence. Then...
A high-pitched shriek erupts from the receiver.
Joyce gasps in pain and drops the phone. She looks at her hand. Her palm is seared. She backs away from the phone. Her eyes wide with dread.
Jonathan grabs up phone. His voice shakes.
Jonathan: Who is this?! Who is this?!
But the phone line is now dead.
Joyce slumps down to the floor. And begins to sob.
WOODS - NIGHT
BOOM! Another crash of thunder.
Our boys are deep in woods. Soaked now.
Their flashlights illuminate the rain.
Mike: Will? Will???
Lucas: Byers?!
Dustin: I've got your "X-Men!" One-thirty-four!
No response. Only silence.
They march for a little bit longer.
Dustin: Guys, I really think we should turn back.
Lucas: Seriously, Dustin, if you want to be a baby, just go home already.
Dustin: I'm just being realistic, Lucas.
Lucas: No, you're being a sissy.
Dustin: You ever think Will went missing because, you know, he ran into someone bad? And now we're going to the place where he was last seen, and we don't even have weapons or anything.
Mike: Dustin shut up.
Dustin: I'm just sayin', does that seem smart to you?!
Mike: Shut up!
Dustin silences. Everyone turns to Mike. He's not mad. He's… listening...
MIKE (low): You guys hear that?
The boys listen. Hear rustling foliage. Everyone tenses.
Mike slowly swings his flashlight around the dark woods. Ten degrees, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, sixty...
WHOOSH! A shadowed figure darts behind them.
They whirl around. Startled. Their flashlights illuminate...
Eleven. Bald head. Wild eyes. Benny's T-shirt.
Mike looks at her. She looks at Mike. Their gaze holds.
Thunder booms.