009 // 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐑

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 8 : 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

"your life is your own. you're in charge of yourself."

◇─◇──◇─────◇──◇─◇

Sitting on a bus for almost two hours to go back home was quite boring.

But it gave Nina time to reflect on some things.

Nina found herself missing Lucas more and more. It wasn't just a casual longing for a friend's company; she knew deep down that she had developed feelings for him beyond friendship. Thinking of him made her heart ache with a mix of happiness and sadness, knowing that he held a special place in her heart and she hasn't seen him in almost a year.

Living with Hopper felt like finding her true home, and Nina couldn't imagine it any other way. In the small cabin they shared, she felt a sense of belonging that she had never experienced before. Hopper and El became her family, and their bond was unbreakable. Every day spent together was filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of security that made her heart swell with gratitude.

Nina couldn't help but feel a strong sense of longing for Dustin. His absence left a void in her life that was hard to fill. Dustin had a unique way of brightening up any room with his humor and infectious laughter. He had a natural talent for making others smile and forget their worries. His warm and caring personality was like a comforting hug that could instantly put anyone at ease.

Nina's heart yearned for Mike, the one who had given her more than just friendship; he had given her a place to call home. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards him, knowing that it was through his kindness and generosity that she found her first real sanctuary. The memories of the moment he offered her a place to stay still warmed her heart. Mike's selflessness and compassion had changed her life, and she cherished every shared moment, every laughter-filled evening, and every heartfelt conversation they had. He had become not only her friend but a pillar of support, and she missed him dearly, holding onto the hope that they would reunite again someday to continue building their bond and creating more meaningful memories together.

Though Nina had never met Will, she had heard so much about him from her friends, and their stories painted a picture of a genuinely nice guy. The way they spoke about him, with admiration and fondness, made her curious to get to know him better. She sensed that there was something special about him, something that drew people towards him. Even without having met him in person, she felt a connection through the stories shared and the way her friends talked about him. Nina couldn't help but imagine the possibility of a friendship with him, looking forward to the day they might finally cross paths and share their own experiences and laughter.

Nina found solace in Joyce, seeing in her a mother figure she had longed for in her life. Joyce's caring and nurturing nature reminded her of the love and support a mother should provide. Despite her own mother's absence due to mental challenges, Nina clung to the hope that Joyce could fill that void. The way Joyce treated her, with kindness and understanding, made her feel valued and cared for, as if she had found a maternal presence she could lean on. With Joyce by her side, Nina felt a sense of belonging, a connection that bridged the gap left by her absent mother. Though no one could ever replace her biological mother, she couldn't help but see in Joyce the possibility of a meaningful mother-daughter bond, a relationship she held close to her heart with the hope that it would continue to grow and flourish over time.

All of a sudden, the train finally stopped. Nina and El got off, walking in an alleyway for a short while.

"We should find them," El suggested to which Nina agreed.

They closed their eyes, looking for their friends.

Nina opened her eyes, seeing the Byers house. She walked inside, seeing everyone inside. She also saw Will in a shed, being interrogated. It was a mess.

"We need to go. Now," Nina said as panic shot through her body.

-

They finally got there as Nina teleported them. They saw one baby Demogorgon about to burst inside. They used their powers a killed it as it whimpered. They accidentally threw it through the window, hearing screams and gasps.

They then unlocked the door, opening it and immediately walking inside. It was then that they saw all their friends after a year.

Lucas and Mike walked forward a little, shock spread across their faces.

El and Nina were home.