UPSIDE DOWN

     Halloween had been filled with tricks and treats. But it was over now, and it was officially November 1. He and Steve had been walking out in the woods looking for some kidnapped child for the better part of the night. The freezing rain hadn’t let up and while Billy wasn’t entirely convinced a GHOST had stolen some random kid from the fairgrounds, he’d gone after Steve anyway.

     Their search had yielded nothing. No footprints, no random people, and the lights from Harfest had begun to go out. Chief Hopper had warned them not to go looking, saying he’d do it in the morning. How bullshit was it to wait twenty-four hours for a missing kid to reappear. By that time, most ended up dead or a trail had gone cold. Billy had finally been able to cox Steve into leaving. Soaking wet and chilled to the bone. He’d have stayed out there all night, and Billy knew if he didn’t watch him closely he’d try and sneak back out there.

     The Harrington house had always been too big and empty for Billy’s liking. There was no warmth in the made up magazine spread. Every room in the house had to fit the bill of Harrington’s were on the top of the Hawkins’ food chain and their guests should be so lucky to be invited over. They’d never achieve what they did. Billy hoped he wouldn't. The obnoxious arrogance only worked on him, even if it was entirely bred from overcompensation.