RUSH
'Dusty! Feed Tews before you leave!' Mrs Henderson yelled from the living room.
'Yeah ma, I will!' He shouted back, urgently throwing everything important into his backpack. What was important? He couldn't decide.
Dustin spoke to himself as he went around his room.
Flashlight? Yeah, that's important.
Nougat? Yes!
Warm clothes - sure.
Sleeping bag? Yup.
Farrah Fawcett hair spray? Can't do without it!
Dustin laughed to himself - he was so smooth. He flung the bag onto his back and went into the pantry, looking for the cat food.
'Okay ma, I'm going to be away for a few days, and I know you'll miss me terribly but I'll be home soon.' He didn't even wait for her reply before the screen door slammed behind him and he was on his bike. He was meeting Will at The Byers house, and they were cycling to Mike together - Joyce wouldn't have it any other way.
'Mom I promise you nothing is going to happen to me. I promise. El closed The Gate. We're just going camping for a few days before everyone goes away for Christmas.' Convincing Joyce to let Will out of her sight so soon after everything that had happened was a task. Eventually, she agreed - too afraid to say "no", and have him run away, anyway.
'You have to find a phone, Will! And phone me every day!' She yelled at the boys as they cycled down the driveway.
'I will, mom! And I'll see you soon!' Will yelled back.
The sun was crawling towards the horizon, and they pedalled faster. The others wouldn't leave without them, but they couldn't risk being late anyway. The clock was ticking, and they had to find safety as soon as possible. The dead leaves from the naked trees that lined the road danced in front of them, and crunched beneath their tires as they raced towards the Wheeler house.