Dustin,

I'm sorry I made fun of Hellfire. I know that's the least of our worries right now, but I knew it mattered to you, and that should have been enough for me to be willing to help you out. I mean, you've been there for me more times then I can count and I couldn't even bring myself to spend one night playing a game I didn't like because you needed me, what kind of friend does that? The only excuse I have is that I was in a really bad place, I wasn't hanging out with anyone. Obviously you know that now, but you didn't then and I shouldn't have just brushed you off like that, let alone made fun of it.

I guess that's nothing new, I've never been as good a friend to you as you deserved. It wasn't intentional, I just got so caught up in my relationship with Lucas, and after Hopper's death El needed someone to be there, so you always ended up in the background and that wasn't fair. I know it's a little late for it, but you're my best friend. You and Lucas were the first people weren't just my friends because we happened to grow up together or live next to each other. You were the first people to chose to be friends with me, and you were the first people who stuck around. My friends in California were nice, but the second things got hard they stopped being my friends. I'd sort of started to accept that that was just my fate. When I first moved to Hawkins I figured I was going to just stick to myself, I was already resolved to the fact I was going to just be on my own. But you guys sought me out, and no matter how hard things got you didn't leave. Even when I was actively trying to push you away, you still sought me out to try invite me to the arcade or to eat lunch with you, and I appreciate that more then you'll ever know. You and Lucas stalking me was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I mean that, so don't go getting any ideas about you dragging me into this mess or whatever. If I could go back there are things I would do differently, but becoming friends with you guys isn't one of them. Besides, Vecna didn't pick me because of my connection to the Upside Down, it was just a coincidence. If you hadn't told me about all of this I'd be in the exact same position but with no idea what was going on. I'll take knowing over spending my last few hours moping around any day, and I guess if you're reading it that day came. At least this way you guys known more about what's going on and have a better chance of stopping him before he hurts anyone else. And hey, meant I had the chance to write these letters and get the last word in.

That being said, don't go around stalking people in the future. I guarantee that won't work out for you again, you're just going to end up getting yourself punched at best and arrested at worst. Next time when someone tells you to leave them alone, you should listen.

I guess I don't actually have to tell you that though. You're a lot more mature then you were when we first met. Maybe dating Suzie has done you some good, but mostly I think it's just you. You come off as silly, but when it comes to it you always step up and know when to take things seriously. That's a good thing, but don't ever lose that silliness either, alright? With everything that's going on, people need some silliness now and then. Especially if you're reading this letter. I'm not saying I expect you to be up and making jokes rights way, but eventually. Even with everything that's happened, finding out all of this supernatural stuff exists must have been like a dream come true for you. Don't let this ruin that. Always hang on to that wonder and curiosity. Just maybe don't bring a monster home with you again.

Don't tell him I said anything because he'll kill me, but can you check in on Lucas for me? He won't say it, but he really misses you. I know he's trying to act all cool and stuff now, but at heart he's a dork just like the rest of you. He loves you guys more then anything, that doesn't change just because he also happens to like playing basketball and hangs out with some other people at lunch. Don't hold wanting to try new things against him.

Thank you for everything, seriously. When I say meeting you guys was the best thing that ever happened to me I'm not exaggerating or just trying to seem nice because of all of this. I mean it. I wouldn't change it for anything.

Thanks,

Mad Max