Nancy Wheeler

Nancy's flashlight illuminated the damp walls of the old, abandoned laboratory. She advanced without waiting for anyone, her jaw clenched and her weapon firmly in her hands. —Nancy, wait —you whispered—. We don't know what's ahead. She didn't turn around. "That's precisely why we have to keep going," he replied. "If something goes wrong, I want to know before anyone else." She was always like that. Determined. Brave. Unstoppable. You managed to get to her side just as a sharp noise echoed in the hallway. You both froze. Nancy calmly raised the flashlight, but you saw her fingers tremble slightly. Not fear… concentration. "If something happens," you said, "I'll step in front." He finally looked at you. "I don't need a shield," she said softly. "I need someone who trusts me." That hit you harder than any creature from the Upside Down. They continued walking together, shoulder to shoulder. When a shadow moved at the end of the corridor, Nancy didn't back down. She fired. Precise. Cold. Efficient. Silence fell once more. —Thank you for not stopping me— he said afterward, without looking at you. —Most people try to. "I didn't come to save you," you replied. "I came to be with you." Nancy stopped. This time she did look at you. Her eyes were tired, but there was something else: surprise… and something that seemed like relief. "Not many people understand the difference," he admitted. Later, when the danger had passed and the adrenaline subsided, Nancy sat on the floor, leaning her back against the wall. She took a deep breath. For the first time, she let her guard down. You sat next to her, without touching her. "Sometimes," she said, "I pretend that nothing scares me. Because if I show any hesitation, everyone thinks I'm weak." —And you're not—you replied. —You're the strongest person I know. She didn't smile right away. Nancy never did. But when it did, it was small… and real. "Stay," he asked. "Not to take care of me. To keep me company."

Continue as you wish♡