The Awakening
Chapter 11 (Part 1)
Will drifted into the endless oblivion of light as Mike’s face came into focus. His heart beat wildly as he listened to Mike calling out for him. Just a bit further, he thought, and I’ll be home.
“I can see him!” Mike shouted frantically. “His eyes are opening! Will?! Will!”
Mike never averted his gaze from Will. With a firm grip on his hand, he stood determined, ready for anything. Will’s eyes rapidly opened and he gasped for air. As his knees buckled, Mike threw his arms around him as they both tumbled to the ground.
“Will!” Mike cried, looking down at him. “Are you okay?!” He leaned down and touched his forehead to Will’s. Closing his eyes, Mike gulped. “You’re back. I thought I’d lost you for good,” he breathed, overwhelmed with emotion.
Mike was helpless to the tears pouring down his face as he embraced Will tight. He couldn’t believe it. Will made it out alive. Everything he confessed, his truth, helped save Will from the darkness. Breathing in, he shuddered in relief and held him closer.
Will glanced up and realized his head was resting on Mike’s chest. He inhaled deeply as he timidly touched his cheek. Will felt as though he were in another dream. He never would have believed that he could touch Mike. Not with so much tenderness. Especially not that way. But Mike held him so gently, that he felt- safe.
“Mike,” Will breathed, smiling weakly. Blood pooled at the base of his nose. “You’re.. you’re here.”
Mike tried to hold back tears while he looked down at Will. It was impossible. He never really saw him until right here, in this moment. Will’s eyes glistened as the setting sun slowly started to emerge. The glow of the atmosphere enhanced his features and Mike couldn’t help but be entranced by everything about him. He felt as though he could fly away as he glanced at Will’s lips. He was perfect to him.
“Of course, I’m here, Will,” Mike said softly with a shy smile. “We’re a team.” He reached up and gingerly connected his palm to Will’s cheek.
Mike stared into Will’s vulnerable eyes. “I’ll never leave you,” he whispered. “I need you. And I always will.”
Will started to smile as tears of happiness welled in his eyes. This is the Mike he knew and had grown to love. Will glanced down and buried his face into Mike’s shirt, breathing him in.
Vividly aware of the tender moment between them, Joyce and Dustin slowly stepped closer, as Nancy and Jonathan supported El while she stood. Overcome with peace, El smiled warmly at her family and friends. She was amazed that she and her brother were able to defeat the monster that traumatized Hawkins. She didn’t know Will had abilities, but looking back, she’s not surprised. Will was the light all along. And Mike was the heart. Thanks to the three of them, the upside down was no longer a threat.
“El, we made it,” Will said, beaming up at his sister.
El smiled and rested her head on Jonathan’s shoulder.
“Yes, we did,” she agreed. “It’s finally over.”
Joyce couldn’t contain herself any longer. She threw her arms around El and then knelt down to embrace Will.
“El! Will!” Joyce exclaimed, as happy tears erupted. “I’m so happy you’re back! I thought we’d lost you.” She glanced from Will to El. “But I’m so, so glad that you had each other in there.” She briefly met Mike’s eyes and mouthed the words, ‘Thank you.’ Mike grinned. He felt the heat rise in his face and gave a quick nod.
Joyce stood up next to El and put her arms around her shoulders. Breathing a sigh of relief, they soaked in the sunset amid the horizon. Jonathan and Nancy held onto each other’s hands as they began to walk and survey their surroundings. Despite the obvious trenches in the earth, the air seemed clear. The sky was on fire with orange and purple hues as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Dustin happily limped over and knelt down next to Will. He placed his hand on his shoulder, grinning at Mike and then at him. The sudden attention made Will feel a little unsure. Feeling Mike give him a gentle squeeze, he brushed off the feeling, and returned Dustin’s smile.
“I knew you could do it, buddy,” he said warmly. “You were always the one to light the way.” Glancing at Mike, Dustin added, “And I could always tell you had it in you, Mike. You knew where you were going all along, didn’t you?”
Mike stared at Dustin in bewilderment. ‘Had Dustin known this whole time?’ He didn’t even know.
Dustin stood up and nodded his head. “Good to have you home, Will.” He sauntered off to where El and Joyce were continuing to watch the sunset.
Will shivered in anticipation as he looked up at Mike gazing down at him. He was real. This moment of being comforted by Mike in his arms felt so familiar, yet he was never able to put a word to it. Now he knew exactly what it was.
Home.
