byler "Distant Letters"

Mike Wheeler remained in Hawkins with Dustin, Lucas, and the others. He spent most of his time with the Hellfire Club, disappearing into the basement and discussing the latest game with Eddie. Will, meanwhile, lived in California with Joyce, Jonathan, and Eleven.

In California, Will had almost no friends. He never felt like he belonged among new people, so he spent most of his time at home, drawing and rereading letters from Mike.

They tried to stay in touch despite the distance. They wrote letters to each other, sometimes sent postcards, and when they could, talked on the phone. Mike would talk in detail about the Hellfire Club, new games, and Eddie, and Will would reply with information about his days in California. Sometimes too much time passed between letters, and Will began to think Mike was gradually forgetting about him.

When Mike finally arrived in California, Will didn't even know how to greet him. He wanted to hug him like before, but at the last moment he simply patted his friend on the shoulder.

• Hello.

“Hi,” Mike answered awkwardly.

For a few seconds they simply stood opposite each other, as if over the months of separation they had forgotten how to behave next to each other.

Gradually, they began spending time together again. They rode bikes, argued over trivial matters, sat in Will's room and listened to music. Everything was almost like before, except that now they both fell silent too often when their eyes met.

Will would occasionally notice Mike looking at him and then pretend to be busy with something else. Mike would notice the same thing and start talking about the first nonsense that came to mind.

One evening, Will handed him a drawing.

— I did this a long time ago. I just… wanted to show you.

Mike looked at the drawing for a long time.

• He is handsome.

Will smiled.

• Thank you.

• I'm serious.

Mike looked up, and their eyes met again. This time, neither one immediately looked away.

They both remained silent, as if any extra word would make this moment too real.