Hawkins, Indiana. December 20th, 1983

It had been more than a month, but that did not sooth the pain of losing her. His heart ached in a way he could not describe. Dustin, Lucus, and even Will, was sad about losing her. But that was different. It was different.

They were in the basement, as usual, playing D&D. They knew Mike was sad about losing her, and they tried whatever they could to make him smile, which worked occasionally. None of them believe El is gone, they know she is alive, they KNOW it.

They had already decided to go look for her tonight. Mike couldn't take his mind off of her. All he was thinking was; is she ok? Is she cold? Is she hurt? Is she alive? All these questions were running through his head at once.

When no one could concentrate on the game anymore, and his parents weren't paying attention, they snuck out the back door and into the woods. Dustin was the first to break the silence,

"So, where do you think she might be", he asked atheistically.

"Wherever she is, I hope she's ok", Lucus said.

They walked through the woods a little, talking about all sorts of things, from D&D to the lab and Eleven. Will was silent most of the time when they talked about Eleven, cocking his head when they talked about some event he was not there for. He enjoyed hearing them talk about the good times with Eleven, the way a smile crept on to each of their faces and their eyes lit up. He couldn't help but smile at moments like these.

They all jumped when they heard a creak in the woods. They looked and saw nothing, not a sound. Then they heard footsteps crunching leaves. The looked at eachother, fear not hidden. HOPPER! They hid behind a big tree, watching. "He's putting Eggos in some sort of wooden box" Dustin somewhat questioned. "But why" Mike asked. Hopper seemed to hear them and looked over. To their surprise, he didn't see them. Then, Dustin adjusted his feet, making a loud "crunch" sound. Mike whisper-yelled, "Shit". Hopper started walking toward them. "I see you kids, come out", Hopper said looking strait at the tree.

The kids slowly walked out from behind the tree reluctantly. Hopper glared at them, and he started to speak, "What are you doing", he said trying to stay calm by failing. The kids could hear the aggressive tone and fear fell through all of their faces. Mike was the first to speak, "Eleven is alive, isn't she", Mike said calmly yet excited. Hopper's face fell blank of any emotion, then he looked desperate and scared as he grabbed Mikes shoulders lightly and said, "You got to promise me you won't tell anyone about this moment, you understand me? Yes, I mean, I think so, maybe? I have been leaving food and everytime I come here it's gone. Who knows. Maybe I'm feeding wild animals, but I don't think so", Hopper sounded unsure about almost every word he said, but the kids believed it all.

All the sudden, Will started coughing really loud and spit up a slug. Before anyone could say anything, Will disappeared.

"It's so cold", Will says, his voice cracking. Everything is covered in vines and slime. He see's a girl, Eleven, he thinks, in "Castle Byers". "Will", her small voice squeaks out. She looks terrified, yet relieved. "I'm here", Will exclaims in a comforting tone. "Where are you, how do I get you out of here," Will says, fear very visible in his voice. "Castle Byers", Is all she is able to get out before Will is back in the real world, worried eyes all staring out him. "WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL, MAN", Dustin shouted. "It's been happening since I came back from the Upside Down, I spit up a slug then go into the Upside Down", Will said as calmly as he could, which was not very calm. "Wait, you were in the Upside Down", Mike said, confused. Will just nodded as a response. "And, I think, I know, I saw her, Eleven. She knew my name and fit the description you gave, and, you won't believe me", Will stated excited, but the last part dryly as if he actually believed no one would believe him. "What did you see, Will", Lucus said, not trying to be mean but he knew it was important. "She said she was at "Castle Byers", my old fort", Will said as still as he could, since he was still shook about the whole experience. " What are we waiting for?! Let's go", Dustin said excitingly.

When they arrived, everyone was still. Breathing! They all heard it. They all ran toward the fort, but Mike stopped them at the door. "Let's have two people go in, instead of all of us, Me and Hopper will go in, you guys wait and I'll tell you when to come in, understand", Mike asked. They all nodded in agreement. Mike and Hopper slowly walked in, but Mike ran toward the pillows when he saw her.