Mike Wheeler "Almost Goodbye"

Graduation was supposed to be the beginning of a new life. The last evening in Hawkins. Music, camera flashes, hugs, and promises to stay together. In a few weeks, everyone would leave to build their own lives.

Will already knows where he'll go after the summer. He'd long ago convinced himself that his feelings for Mike were a thing of the past. It was easier that way. He could look him in the eye and pretend nothing was hurting.

Mike does not share this calm.

He increasingly finds himself looking for Will among the crowd. The thought that he will soon no longer be around somehow frightens him more than it should.

When the hall gets too noisy, they go outside almost simultaneously.

• Have you... already collected everything?

• Almost.

Silence hangs between them.

— It's strange that everything ends.

Will smiles weakly.

— School is ending. Not all of it.

Mike wants to agree, but he can't.

They silently watch as their classmates take photos in the courtyard.

— You will... write sometimes, won't you?

Will looks down briefly.

• As usual, I guess.

— What do you mean, “as usual”?

He shrugs.

— I'll write. And you... answer if you remember.

Mike wants to say something.

Anything to keep Will from leaving with that look on his face.

But every word seems wrong.

So he remains silent again.

Music blares from the school, and someone calls them back in. Will is already taking a step toward the door, deciding the conversation is over.

But this time Mike gently touches his wrist.

And for the first time all evening, Will turns around not because he was called.