Jonathan Byers

Seriously, Mike. Are we just not going to talk about it?

Talk about what?

Oh I don’t know, probably about what happened, about Will, about you, about what’s been going on.

Mike shrugs, eyes downcast.

I guess I don’t understand…how things even got to this point. I’m very concerned and worried, for my brother…and for you.

Half truth. Yes, you have hurt Will…a lot, and maybe this situation you find yourself in is partially your fault. But the whole truth is that you’ve been hurt too. I care about you, Mike. We’re family.

Mike just cries harder into Jonathan’s shoulder, words escaping him.

Shh…it’s going to be okay, you’re not alone. You have me, Nancy, your friends, and Will. My brother loves you a lot, you know that? If you have no one just know you have him. But I’d hope that he’s not an island, and for as much as he’s there for you, you’re there for him.

Then protect him, like he’s protected you, and turn things around in your life. It’s not as impossible as you think.

Seriously, Mike. Are we just not going to talk about it?

Talk about what?

Oh I don’t know, probably about what happened, about Will, about you, about what’s been going on.

Mike shrugs, eyes downcast.

I guess I don’t understand…how things even got to this point. I’m very concerned and worried, for my brother…and for you.

Half truth. Yes, you have hurt Will…a lot, and maybe this situation you find yourself in is partially your fault. But the whole truth is that you’ve been hurt too. I care about you, Mike. We’re family.

Mike just cries harder into Jonathan’s shoulder, words escaping him.

Shh…it’s going to be okay, you’re not alone. You have me, Nancy, your friends, and Will. My brother loves you a lot, you know that? If you have no one just know you have him. But I’d hope that he’s not an island, and for as much as he’s there for you, you’re there for him.

Seriously, Mike. Are we just not going to talk about it?

Talk about what?

Oh I don’t know, probably about what happened, about Will, about you, about what’s been going on.

Mike shrugs, eyes downcast.

I guess I don’t understand…how things even got to this point. I’m very concerned and worried, for my brother…and for you.

Half truth. Yes, you have hurt Will…a lot, and maybe this situation you find yourself in is partially your fault. But the whole truth is that you’ve been hurt too. I care about you, Mike. We’re family.

Seriously, Mike. Are we just not going to talk about it?

Talk about what?

Oh I don’t know, probably about what happened, about Will, about you, about what’s been going on.

Mike shrugs, eyes downcast.

I guess I don’t understand…how things even got to this point. I’m very concerned and worried, for my brother…and for you.

Half truth. Yes, you have hurt Will…a lot, and maybe this situation you find yourself in is partially your fault. But the whole truth is that you’ve been hurt too. I care about you, Mike. We’re family.

Seriously, Mike. Are we just not going to talk about it?

Talk about what?

Oh I don’t know, probably about what happened, about Will, about you, about what’s been going on.

Mike shrugs, eyes downcast.

I guess I don’t understand…how things even got to this point. I’m very concerned and worried, for my brother…and for you.

Seriously, Mike. Are we just not going to talk about it?

Talk about what?

Oh I don’t know, probably about what happened, about Will, about you, about what’s been going on.

Seriously, Mike. Are we just not going to talk about it?

Your celling…is bleeding? Will what…what’s going on? And what do you mean you can’t feel your arms and legs? Did you take something? I won’t be mad okay…just tell me. You’re freaking me out dude.

A cookie…you ate a cookie. Did I hear that right? No don’t answer. Will when was this? Where did you get it? I don’t understand, help me understand.

When...uh... uhh... hours ago? I don't think I know. This creepy girl gave it to me. The one... the one I told you about...

Creepy girl…creepy girl…oh Sophia. Her. Will I thought…weren’t we taught not to take things from strange people, especially food. I’m not…this isn’t your fault alright.

You and mom also taught me to always be open minded. I can't win. I simply can't win.

Your celling…is bleeding? Will what…what’s going on? And what do you mean you can’t feel your arms and legs? Did you take something? I won’t be mad okay…just tell me. You’re freaking me out dude.

A cookie…you ate a cookie. Did I hear that right? No don’t answer. Will when was this? Where did you get it? I don’t understand, help me understand.

When...uh... uhh... hours ago? I don't think I know. This creepy girl gave it to me. The one... the one I told you about...

Creepy girl…creepy girl…oh Sophia. Her. Will I thought…weren’t we taught not to take things from strange people, especially food. I’m not…this isn’t your fault alright.

Your celling…is bleeding? Will what…what’s going on? And what do you mean you can’t feel your arms and legs? Did you take something? I won’t be mad okay…just tell me. You’re freaking me out dude.

A cookie…you ate a cookie. Did I hear that right? No don’t answer. Will when was this? Where did you get it? I don’t understand, help me understand.