I hope you enjoy this (edited) chapter! As always, I only own my OC.

I tapped my fingers against the armrests of my chair, the nurse taking her sweet time in getting me my medication. My family was sitting in the waiting room on the doctor's orders, having told them there was still a personal "patient-doctor" confidential conversation to be had.

As the door to the check-up room opened, I stopped tapping my fingers and straightened as much as I could with a bruised body and broken arm.

The nurse had returned, but she wasn't alone. She brought a woman and two men in suits with her. Hawkins Lab representatives, here to keep me quiet.

"Jesus, does anyone in this hospital even work here?" I asked, the nurse giving me a deadpan expression before setting my pain medication on the table beside me and leaving the room. "I'm taking that as a 'no'!" I yelled after her, completely unimpressed.

"Miss Henderson. How are you doing?" The woman asked, but there was a coldness in her voice I easily recognized.

I narrowed my eyes in return, copying her tone. "How do you think I'm doing?"

The woman just looked at me with her lips pursed, then pushed a large document my way. Each page was marked with a red tab. She handed me a pen, the two men behind her more like guards than active participants. "We need you to sign this document. It will help keep this whole incident underwraps, from everyone not involved. That includes your parents."

"No."

"No?"

"No. I'm not signing shit without a lawyer present."

"I am a lawyer." She told me, and I raised my eyebrows.

"Well, I sure as hell didn't hire you. So again, I'm not signing shit."

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice."

"Hm. What happens if I rip this up and throw it in your face?"

"I can assure you, nothing good. We're very good at covering things up."

I caught her threat. "Like you're going to cover up Barb's death?"

"Barbara Holland's death was a tragedy. Unfortunately, the circumstances involved make it dangerous to tell anyone the truth. Can you imagine the panic that would ensue if people were to know what really happened this past week." The agent's tone turned more "fake-pleading".

"Her parents deserve to know that she isn't just missing. They need closure, they need to bury her." I argued, and a blank expression spread across the woman's face.

"Sometimes not knowing is better than suffering the consequences of the truth."

"Are you threatening me?"

"Yes." She answered simply. "Let me be clear. If you do not sign this document, you and everyone you care about are in for a world of trouble. But if you do sign this document, this never has to be discussed again. You can move on, your life can return to normal. And the people you love will be safe." The "from us" was heavily implied.

I bit my lip. I'm going to figure out how to expose them, Barb.

"Fine, I'll sign. You're just lucky I'm right-handed."

"Excellent. We've taken the liberty of marking which signatures to fill." I nodded at her words and balanced the papers on my lap, flicking through the pages and signing away my right to free speech. "There's one more thing. While there seems to fortunately be no residual toxicity in your body from your time away, we need you to come into the Lab once a week. Think about your visits like 'check-ups'."

"With Dr. Brenner? Cause that'll be a hard pass." I didn't look up from the heavy document.

"Dr. Brenner is indisposed."

"Dead?"

"Unknown."

"So who am I going to be seeing?"

"Our new director, Dr. Owens. And that was not a request, Miss Henderson."

"You want me to come in to observe me, right? Treat me like I'm some damn guinea pig?" I asked, handing her back the pen and papers. She flipped through everything, nodding in that "I've got all the power, I'm super happy I got a 15-year-old to follow my orders" way.

"Yes. But this will be good for you, too. A way for us to help you heal, to show you that things will get better." Her voice turned sickly sweet, like she actually cared.

Fucking bitch.

I wish I could say things started to look up, once Will was found. That all of us who were there learned to move on and adapt to this new world. But that would be a lie, and I don't like to lie. Even though that's part of my new reality.

The truth is things have gotten worse. For one thing, it wasn't just Barb, Will, and I that were taken. Four more people were abducted that week, lost and never found. Well, their bodies were probably found by the people at Hawkins Lab, but never returned. Covered up, just like Barb.

I can't even look Mr. and Mrs. Holland in the eyes without bursting into guilty tears. They came over my second day back at home. They offered me words of comfort, and in thanks I spun a web of lies. I told them we were taken while walking back to her car, that when I woke up I was alone in the woods, having no recollection of what happened. Just a few dark faces, a door opening. "I think I ran to get help, but I can't… I can't remember." I told them, and they believed me.

The Hollands aren't the only people I've had to lie to. I spent four days in my house, wondering why neither my mom nor my dad - who left right after I was completely discharged - didn't ask me what had happened, why I was more injured than before. It was Dustin who broke the news to me, when I finally asked him.

"D, why didn't mom hound me? Or you? Why is she acting like nothing else… happened to me?"

Dustin sighed and pushed back his curls, pausing Jaws. "Mom and dad had to sign those documents, just like us. Theirs were different. I mean, that's what those dickhead scientists told me, anyway, while you were busy sleeping off your poor decisions in the hospital."

I rolled my eyes at his sassiness, then moved around in my bed so I could adjust the ice packs. "What'd those dickheads tell you?"

"That what they signed made mom and dad swear not to ask any questions about what happened. Like, they can't even ask us about it. We're bound to secrecy and 'sharing such information would make mom and dad a liability' or some shit. I don't know. The point is, we're in the clear."

We aren't in the clear from mom's overprotectiveness, though. She's spent this whole week standing behind me, watching my every move. When she had to drive Dustin to school and picked him up, she took me with her. If Dustin decided to go spend time with his other friends, I'm plucked out of bed.

The only time she left me alone was when I went to go see Will. She'd use my visitation time to go into the office, leaving me a few hours every other day to just breathe. Sort of. Because seeing Will also meant having Joyce and Jonathan treat me like I'm about to break. More.

Will and I don't do that to each other, though. He and I - well, we went through similar shit. Who knows? Maybe I'd have been found with a vine down my throat if I was in the Upside Down longer. It's definitely not a pleasant thought, and every now and then I gag at the idea.

Will and I talk about everything; Barb, the Demogorgon, the Upside Down. How thin the air was, how everything was so cold. How every time we close our eyes, it's like we're back there. Jonathan and Joyce are gone during these conversations. We don't want to worry them, and I don't want anything getting back to my mom - or worse, Dustin, who'd been sticking to me like a damn leech since I was released.

I get it though, I do. I was gone for four days, I ran away from a hospital, and I ended up in a worse condition than after I was found. Dustin watched me pass out from exhaustion and blood loss, and had to sit through my breakdown by the inflatable pool. I understand why everyone's babying me.

I just don't like it. I feel like I'm suffocating.

Which is why I'm ecstatic that my mandatory week-off is done. I finally get to go to school - something I never actually thought I'd be looking forward to. My arm's still in it's cast, the white plaster covered in messages and random sketches. It only slightly lessens how much I want to rip it off.

I really miss archery.

"You don't have to go in today, sweetheart. I can take another day off of work." My mom hesitates to start the car, turning her body to face me.

I sigh, not hiding my frustration. Dustin kicks at my seat, and I glare back at him. "No, you can't." The harder they stare, the more confined I feel. "I want to go to school, mom."

She doesn't listen to me, though. Instead, she turns to look back at my little brother. "I can get you out of class too, baby. You can watch your sister while I go into the office."

"Really? Sweet."

"Guys, I said I can go in!" I shout, closing my eyes as I bang my head back against the headrest.

"But should you, Leia?" Dustin asks, managing to sound like a child and an exasperated adult all at once.

I turn to glare at him - again - smiling inwardly when he backs off. I've still got it. "Dustin, mom. I need to go to school. I-I want to move on."

My mother sighs and starts the car. "Fine. But the minute you feel overwhelmed -"

"I'll call you. I promise." She nods and backs out of the driveway. I feel guilty, though. Because again, I get it. I really do. If what happened to me had happened to either of them… I'd be even more protective than they are right now. "Mom, I loved spending the week with you. And Dustin. You both really helped me, and I really am grateful. But the doctor said I should try to get back into a normal routine, and these past few weeks haven't been normal."

My mom reaches over to take my right hand, squeezing it. "Dumpling, I understand. It was just so hard. Sometimes I think you're still missing. I'm sorry if I've been -" She starts to sniff.

"Oh, mom, no. It's okay." I promise, squeezing back and blinking away unshed tears. "I get it. And I promise I'll call you during lunch."

"Okay." She lets out a shaky breath, then seems to will herself to change the subject. "Oh, and Chief Hopper called this morning, to check up on you. He said you asked him to take you to your appointment, at th-the place." Hawkins Lab, something she can't discuss.

"Yes, uh. I figured since he's the Chief and was, you know - I thought it'd be a good idea. Make us all feel a little safer. Is that alright? He seemed like the best option."

She smiles at me. "Of course it's alright. I've always liked that man."

I breathe out. "Okay, good. That's good." My eyes flick up to the rear view mirror, where my brother is sullenly watching me with his arms crossed. "Did you want to come too? Or are you going with the boys to see Will?"

"I can meet them after."

"D -"

"Excuse me for wanting to look after my big sis!" He shouts, frustrated. Mom and I don't jump at his outburst, though. I just sigh and nod.

"If you want to come, you can. And I'll have Hopper drop you off at the hospital after. If mom's okay with that?"

Our mom hums. "Yes, it's fine pumpkins. I'll pick Dusty up from seeing Will and we can stop and pick up dinner on the way back."

"Okay." I smile, then briefly check my reflection in the side mirror, my right fingers touching the scar on my left temple. I'd only just gotten the stitches out yesterday, so it was still clear for everyone to see, and it's not like I can cover it with makeup. At least most of the bruising on my face has gone down. My body's also less sore, but I still can't move too quickly, not without feeling like I'm being stabbed.

The rest of the car ride passes in tense silence, and I'm practically escaping the car when mom pulls up in front of the high school, bruised body be damned.

Nancy, Steve, and Jonathan are all waiting for me. The former two are holding each other's hands, an action that pains my best friend as much as it does me.

My heart lightens when Nancy releases her boyfriend's hand, running up to me like an overly-excited puppy. I snort and hug her back, right arm strong around her waist. "I just saw you this weekend." I remind her, and she snorts.

"I know, but I missed seeing you in school. I'm just happy you're back."

"Me too, girl." I look over her shoulder and up at Jonathan. As soon as Nance releases me, I'm tugged into his chest. He takes care not to jostle my arm while smoothly taking my backpack off my right shoulder. "How's Will doing?" I ask, needing an update after not seeing the youngest Byers since Saturday.

Jonathan shrugs, a soft smile on his face. "Better. Mom's with him now, but I'm going to take over for her after school while she goes into work. Did you want me to take Dustin with me? I'm already driving with Lucas and Mike."

"No, it's fine. Hopper's giving us both a lift." Jonathan nods in understanding, the Hawkins Lab reps also demanding Will comes in for weekly check-ups, too. When he's no longer hospitalized, at least.

My oldest friend lets go, and Steve wraps me in a comforting hug. It's somehow gentle and strong. "It's good to have you back, Roni."

"Why? Missed having someone to verbally spar with? Your old buddies not good enough?"

Steve laughs. "No, they're not. Besides, arguing with you is, like, the highlight of my school day. Besides being with you, Nance." He quickly reassures her, and I try not to let that hurt me.

"Aw, Steven, you say the sweetest things." We break apart and I poke at his bicep, smiling cheekily. "I'm really looking forward to beating you in the battle of the wits, again."

"Please, I won every time."

"You so did not." I playfully scoff. "Nance, you hear this guy?" I ask my sister, who rolls her eyes but smiles in amusement.

We start walking into the building, and I try to ignore everyone staring at me. Like they think I'm some broken thing after everything that happened. Like the Ice Queen of Hawkins thawed and cracked. They're wrong. If anything, I feel colder. Harsher. Failing to save a friend and watching a little girl just vanish in thin air tends to have that effect.

Yeah, I'm still the Ice Queen, only I've got the PTSD to boot; "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder", that's what my shrink called it when I saw her last week. Not that I could actually tell her I was in another dimension. Still, trauma is trauma.

I look around discreetly, willing the flashing images of the school dark and vine-covered to go away.

Great, barely a minute's passed by and I'm already losing my mind.

Nancy leads me inside, the boys following after us. As soon as Jonathan opens the door, all conversations end. Silence rolls down the hall as my classmates stop and stare, just watching me. What? Are they expecting me to start acting like a lunatic? God, I hate attention. I've always hated the attention. I can hear my heartbeat picking up, my blood pumping faster. It's the pitying expressions that have me wanting to turn and run far, far away.

"We can leave. If you want to, we can go." Nancy whispers, and I give her a disbelieving look.

"Yeah, and then the whole school will be talking about it." I hiss, then turn to look ahead and roll my shoulders back. I use my right hand to flick my blonde hair over my shoulder, walking straight to my locker. My heels click against the linoleum floor, and I gulp when my mind flashes back to the blood pooled all around the middle school.

I can do this, I can do this.

"Welcome back, Ice Queen!" Tommy shouts, jumping in front of me. Carol's next to him, chewing her bubblegum with a smug expression. "And she's accompanied by the creep, the princess, and King Steve!" He declares.

Just like at the Byers house, Steve steps in front of me like some sort of shield. "Back off, man." Steve warns, and Tommy gets in his face.

"Or what? You couldn't even take Creepy Byers."

"I don't know, pal, pretty sure even Carol could take you out."

"Steve, let's just go -" Nancy tries, moving forward to tug at her boyfriend's elbow.

"Aw, the slut speaks!" Carol sings, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "How adorable."

"Jesus Christ." I groan to myself, just loud enough to have the two assholes focus on me. I smile inwardly at how Nancy relaxes, even if it's accompanied with her leaning into Steve. "Sorry, excuse me." I wriggle past Steve, this time acting like the shield. "Guys, I know I've been gone a while. I'm so sorry I wasn't around to help you feel important. But now isn't a good time. So if you could just wait until the end of the week to start this shit up, I'd appreciate it." I flash a winning smile their way. "Okay, nice talk, I - son of a bitch!" I yelp, Tommy having reached out to grab my left wrist, jostling my broken arm.

"Aw, I'm sorry Ice Queen. Did that hurt?" He teases me. "Look, Carol, she's looking a little weepy. Not as strong as you act, huh?"

I pull my arm out of his grasp, wincing. I throw out my right hand to keep Jonathan from getting himself in a fight, then morph my face into my most icy glare. "Hagan." I hiss. "I was abducted and managed to survive. Could you do that? Are you strong enough to make it through hell? No." I shake my head and bite out a laugh, eyes flicking to Carol. "Could you? Hm, Perkins? I doubt it." I hum and look her up and down. "It's like I've been saying, you two are way less impressive than you like to pretend you are. You're weak. You'll always be weak." I twist to shove into Tommy with my right side.

"Run along to class, you two. You're boring me." I call over my shoulder, finishing the walk to my locker.

Jonathan patiently holds my bag, Steve and Nancy fussing over me. It's too much, though, and soon enough I'm flipping out.

"Jesus, I can do this myself." I growl, attempting to shove them away. "Seriously, back the hell off."

"Whoa, cool it." Steve tells me, frowning. "Tommy grabbed your arm. Your broken arm. Are you sure it doesn't -"

"I said I'm fine!" I yell, walls thicker than before. They have to be, to keep everyone else away. Steve flinches, moving his arm away, but Nancy stops him.

I try not to wince at her glower. I briefly look to Jonathan for help, but he only leans on the locker next to me and shrugs, unamused. "Stop it." Nancy orders.

"Leave me alone, Na-"

"No. Shut. Up. Okay?" She says, in the same tone as when she got Steve to leave the Byers house. "You told me you'd be like this, remember?" Nancy whispers harshly, reaching behind me to take my bag from Jonathan. "I know you're feeling on edge. I get that you hate all the attention. But unfortunately, you've got three people who care too much about you to leave you alone." I look down, and she taps under my chin. "Don't shut us out. Don't hide behind your walls, not from us. You think you're the only one who went through that bullshit?"

"Nancy, I -"

"Nope, I'm talking. You listen." She glares harder. "Barb was my best friend, and now she's dead. Jonathan's little brother was missing for a week. Steve was thrust into a whole new world in a matter of minutes. You're not alone, you've never been alone, so stop acting like you are!" She warns, quiet.

I blink, mouth open a bit, a little calmer. "Damn. You're a badass." I mutter. She grins, body less tense.

"Damn straight. I have to be, if I'm hanging out with someone as amazing as you."

I nod, then blush and look down. "Sorry. I just, I -"

"Yeah. I know." She opens my backpack and helps me get out what I need for the first half of the day. I'm just about to close the locker when she reaches out to stop me. "Wait, I brought something." I furrow my eyebrows as Nancy hands my backpack to an equally confused Jonathan, who fumbles with it for a bit.

Nancy finishes fishing through her shoulder bag and pulls out a small polaroid. "Mom found this, the other day. I have a similar one, but I didn't know if you did. I figured we could have one up in our locker. If you want to put it up, of course. This might've been a bad decision." I tilt my head as I take the photo, and turn it over. Tears fill my eyes as I look down. "I'm sorry, Vera. I shouldn't have - God, that was stupid, I -"

"This is perfect. Thank you." I whisper, eyes flicking up to meet hers. Steve helps me turn and I stick a spare magnet onto the photo, putting it right next to one of my brother and mom.

Barb is sitting on the Wheelers' couch, Nancy and I on either side of her. We have textbooks laid out on the table in front of us, pens and notebooks at the ready. Barb's head is thrown back in laughter, Nancy is staring at her with a wrinkled nose, and I'm smiling softly. It was taken last year, when we were studying for our final algebra test. We all look so happy.

A big hand pats my right shoulder, and I look over to see Steve standing behind me. My eyes narrow as his hazel orbs flit over my face, ending at the scar on my temple. A second later he's stepping back. Not knowing what else to do, I close my locker and take back my bag, shrugging it onto my uninjured arm.

Jonathan and I follow the happy couple down the hall, both of us sending each other sad sighs as Nancy and Steve whisper in each other's ears, their hands clasped together. Eventually my brother moves to stand on my right, his arm wrapping around my waist.

We don't have the people we want, but we still have each other, family in all but blood.

Hopper pulls up in front of the school, Dustin waving from the back of the man's car. I say goodbye to my friends, promising to call them later, and ignore the stares as I hurry over to the Chief of police. We drive in silence for a few minutes. Even Dustin isn't speaking, and we usually can't get him to shut up. Not liking how quiet it is, I start to talk. "So, my birthday's in three days. Anyone get me any presents?" I finally ask. "Sixteen's a big year."

My brother explodes, filter no longer functioning. "Yes, we got you shit, Leia. What do you think mom was doing while you were visiting Will? Plus, there's the party - shit, ignore what I just said." He pleads, and I bite my lip in amusement, Hopper giving me a smirk. "Seriously, mom'll kill me. She ordered your favorite cake and everything, plus she invited the Party and your friends, and I know she got you -"

"Dustin!" I interrupt. "I'll pretend I don't know, okay? Jesus, D."

Hopper's shoulders are laughing as he drives, and I catch my brother blushing in the rear view mirror. "Sorry. Sorry, I just… you know I have loose lips!"

I snort. "That's for damn sure."

"Alright you two, keep it down. I'm trying to concentrate."

"On what?" Dustin asks the Chief.

"Driving." He answers, giving my little brother the stink-eye. Dustin just dimples.

"Hey, can you flash your lights?"

"What did I just say, kid?" I smile at the Chief's exhaustion, only half-listening to their argument.

Silence fills the car again when we reach the Hawkins Lab. My right hand clenches into a fist, but the gauze keeps my nails from piercing my skin.

"Hey. We don't have to go in." Hopper tells me, and I look up at him.

"If I don't, they'll drag me here. No thanks." He nods and pulls up to the booth.

"Afternoon. I'm Chief Hopper. Here to escort Veronica Leigh Henderson to her appointment with Dr. Owens."

The guard peers down at us. "Who's the extra kid?" He nods to Dustin.

"Her little brother."

"I don't think he's -"

"Hey." Hopper interrupts. "This girl just survived four days in the hellhole you people opened. You're going to let her brother come in, that's the least you owe her." The guard gulps when Hopper finishes speaking, and nods his head. The barrier lifts and the Chief drives through, giving the man a sarcastic salute as he goes.

"You didn't have to do that." I mutter, looking out the window and up at the lab.

"Yeah, I did." Hopper parks his car and gets out. We follow his lead, Dustin and I leaving our backpacks behind as the Chief of Police walks us up to the severe-looking building. It's all so ominous. This place just screams bad news.

A portly man with balding silver hair and a kind smile is waiting for us at the front desk, looking every bit the opposite of Dr. Brenner. I still don't trust him, though, and neither do my companions if the way they straighten - comically, in Dustin's case - is anything to go by.

"Ah, Miss Henderson. Chief Hopper, if I'm not mistaken. And who's this?"

"Dustin Henderson. Her brother." Dustin shakes the older man's hand, firmer than a twelve-year-old should. Hopper makes a small noise, and with a brief glance I see the small smile melting into his usual "I'm a cop, I'll shoot you" look.

"Yeah. Dr. Owens, right? The new director. Experiment on any kids recently?" The Chief asks, as though he's talking about the weather.

Dr. Owens only laughs, though, impressed. "No, no. I was never fond of that particular project. Now, let's go upstairs and take a look at our patient."

Owens leads us down the hall and towards the elevator. The further we get from the front door, the more I panic, like I'm walking back to the Upside Down.

Which, of course I am. The gate is here. Well, down there. Below us. I can feel it, the coldness, the darkness. I can practically taste the dirty air, see the vines beneath and around me.

"Hopper." I whisper, moving so I'm practically sewing myself to his side. We pass by some more scientists and military police, all of whom are looking at me like I'm some rare specimen.

"I got you, Robin Hood." The man whispers out the promise, and Dustin steps a little in front of me to glare at the men and women observing me. I'm not sure it does much, but just watching him act so protective makes me smile.

I'm still terrified, though. I blame the weird hallucinations on exhaustion. I don't sleep much, anymore. And if I do get some shut eye, I wake up thinking I'm back there. Everywhere I turn, I see the Demogorgon or one of those weird little dog things. My mom offered me a turtleneck sweater the other day, but the thought of something tight around my neck sent me into a panic. My necklaces were shoved into the bottom drawer of my dresser: out of sight, out of mind. The collars of nearly all my shirts have been tugged, loosened so my neck doesn't feel like something is reaching to grab it and squeeze.

Before I know it I'm being led onto an exam chair, and I carefully sit on the paper. Dustin watches closely, glaring at Owens. Hopper has his hand on his belt, right next to his gun. "So, I saw on your form that your birthday's this Thursday. Do you have any plans?" The doctor asks, placing some brain monitors around my forehead.

With a shrug, a stare ahead. "Honestly, I haven't even thought about it. What with the abduction and all the deaths."

"You know, I heard you gave Brenner's people a hard time." I hum, and he laughs. "That's a good thing, kid. Means you didn't lose your fight."

"I'm not sure I can." I mutter, briefly looking at the doctor. He nods like he understands.

"Well, I think we're ready to get started. You okay with those two being in here?"

I look over at my brother and the Chief, smiling wide. "Yeah. I trust them."

"Good. Okay. I have a few questions. If there are any you don't feel comfortable answering yet, just let me know. We can always hit those when you're ready." I nod in understanding, and Owens picks up his clipboard and pen. "Perfect. Now, you were down there for four days. Are you aware you were exposed to toxins?"

I nod, confused. "Yeah. My, uh, my dad said the goo found on me was harmless."

Owens hums. "Oh, it is. I'm talking about the air, Veronica."

My mouth moves wordlessly, and Dustin sends me a panicked look. Shaking myself out of it, I focus on the doctor. "I ripped up my flannel and covered my face. It was a short-term solution, but it seemed to have worked."

"For the most part."

"What does that mean?" Hopper asks, arms crossed. "Why wasn't Veronica or her mom told?"

"We didn't have the data yet to tell young Miss Henderson. As for Mrs. Henderson, we're not at liberty to discuss these findings with her. The contract hinders that, you see."

"How bad is it? Is it like cancer? Leia's gonna be fine, right? Because our uncle had lung cancer, but that was because he's a smoker. Do you smoke, Leia? Because if you do, I'm gonna beat the shit out of you!" Dustin warns.

I blink, Hopper rubs his hand over his face - he did catch me smoking a few times, but telling me off would be hypocritical so he let me go.

Dr. Owens laughs, genuinely amused by my brother. "No, kid. It isn't lung cancer. The air's toxic down there, like we said. And while your makeshift mask certainly helped, you were still exposed to large amounts for an extended period of time." Owens tells me. "The doctors who work for us took great care in pumping most of the toxins out, but they couldn't get all of it. The particles you inhaled seemed to have attached themselves to you. It's unlike anything I've ever seen - your genetic code's changed, Veronica."

"So what does that mean?" I ask, folding my arms. "Am I some sort of mutant?"

"Sweet, that'd be so cool."

"Dustin." I warn. My little brother throws his hands up in surrender.

Dr. Owens moves around in his spinning chair, taking a look at the monitors. "The problem is, the only other known survivor is Will Byers. Both of you were found in different shapes, and we have yet to get a good look at him. This is why we need you to come in once a week, for observation. If anything drastic happens, if you have any episodes of some kind, you need to come in."

"So you can run more tests." There's no point in asking. I know that's the answer.

"I'm not going to lie to you. We will be running tests. And you are here for us to learn more about that world. But this is also to make sure nothing else happens to you." I nod at his words, and briefly glance over at Hopper. He gives me a small shrug, but the hand nears his gun relaxes. "Now, I'm sure you've spoken about Post-Traumatic Stress. I see you're still seeing your psychiatrist -"

"God, the government really does spy on its people." I grumble, and Dr. Owens snorts.

"Yeah. We do." He doesn't offer apologies or anything like that, he just continues. "While we're all still learning more about this disorder, it's important you know this is a common thing. Plenty of veterans suffer from it after returning home. This, coupled with your anxiety and depression, means you're probably having a difficult time sleeping. Is that a true assessment?"

I nod, examining the dry skin around my right fingers. I really need to moisturize. "Yeah."

"So, have you found a technique that works for you at night?"

I look into his eyes, trying not to picture my brother's face. "Yeah. I just don't sleep. Because when I do, all I see is the damn Upside Down. Even now, part of me thinks I'm still trapped there. Like I'm gonna turn a corner and suddenly vines will shoot out and snatch me, and the Demogorgon will make a yummy meal out of me."

"Demogorgon?"

"The monster. You know, the one that got out after y'all found a way to open the gate." I gripe, body tensing.

"Sis, hey, it's okay."

"No, Dustin, it isn't okay." I swivel my head to look at him. "Nothing about this is okay. I'm tired of people trying to make everything okay!" I shout, then bite my lip. "Sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell."

"Veronica, it's fine. I get it. I'm not mad." He reassures me, pulling up a chair to sit next to me and carefully holding my right hand. "You're right. You went through some shit no one else could really understand, except Will. But you're safe now. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you, milady."

"I don't feel like I am, though." I glance away from him and stare back at the concerned Dr. Owens. "I can feel it. In my bones. The Upside Down. Maybe it's PTSD, maybe it's whatever was in the air and got into me, but I know we're all in danger."

He nods. "Something for us to monitor, then. And we will. But you're going to have to work with us, Veronica. We can help each other."

I breathe out and nod. "Okay."

"Good. So, tell me about the terrain…"

As Dr. Owens asks his questions and I answer a few, my body doesn't relax. I remain tense, nervous. The air seems thinner, almost, and if I squint I can see the weird particles from the Upside Down floating in front of me. I can hear snuffles and roars, feel vines twisting around my body.

As Hopper is driving us away from the Lab, I only have one thought running through my mind.

I'm not okay.