THE DECISION
'So you heard that? You heard me say "Let's kill them all"?' Mike asked, his voice riddled with disbelief. The sun was descending in the sky, and Hopper would be coming for El at nightfall.
'You said it, Mike. They have a plan, too. You might hate mine, but if we do nothing, you won't have to worry about El because you'll be dead. We'll all be dead.'
The room fell silent. They had been debating all day, and they were tired. There was a break in between when they went to fetch lunch upstairs, but other than that, they were at the drawing board. Lucas had come around about Will's plan when he had heard Max was in danger, and El and Mike were firmly on the side of doing nothing. That left Dustin as the swing vote - a job he wished he could reallocate.
'Shut up you guys, I can't think!' Dustin exclaimed, exasperated. 'I can't make a decision like this - I make the worst decisions under normal circumstances!' That was true, and Dart was evidence.
After what felt like hours - but was only a few minutes, Dustin had an answer.
'We're going to hide out. That's my decision. We leave tonight, and we find somewhere to camp for a few days while we figure this out. Somewhere safe and secluded.' Dustin had finally had a good idea. 'Go home, get clothes and supplies, and meet back here just before sunset. Start thinking of hideouts.'
Everyone had to agree, it was the most sensible thing to do.
'I know a place.' El announced. It made sense, she had spent longer in the wilderness than anyone, and had learned to survive.
'Okay, let's go then. We meet back here before sunset.'
Mike and El were alone again, and she had to tell him the truth.
'Mike...I can't stay. I will get you to the place. But then I have to go.'
'What are you talking about, El. You said you wouldn't leave again.' Mike's voice shook with frustration and he fought back tears.
'Hopper can't know anything is wrong. I want to show you something,' she said, taking his hand.