LXI

"As soon as I get home, I'll ask Henry to—"

"Huh?" Hopper frowns as he opens the back door of the car and deposits the dress and shoes on the seat. "Nah. Don't you see the giant ribbon that girl gave me?" he protests. "And that fancy bag too… It's a gift, kid."

"But it's… a lot and…"

"So? You think I, as police chief, can't afford it?"

"I-I didn't say—"

"Then what's the problem? It's a gift. Accept it and say no more."

Eleven finally gives up and just nods. "Thank you…"

Hopper responds with a "hm" and hurries to climb into the driver seat. "Now get in; we wanna be back before the day is over."

Although it is clear he is exaggerating, Eleven is quick to comply. Some feet behind, Joyce just watches them with a smile on her face.

"Are you waiting for a written invitation or something, Joyce?"

"Yeah, yeah," she laughs, rolling her eyes and opening the passenger door, "you grumpy old man."

The last thing is said under her breath, but with the full intention that the sheriff hears her. And of course he doesn't remain silent: "Hey! I'm not an old man—!"

"Yes, you are!"

They both argue all the way back.

Eleven begins to suspect that this is, in fact, a hobby to them.

There are still a few miles left to reach Hawkins when Eleven begins to feel the onset of a migraine.

Eleven, Henry's voice rumbles inside her head. Eleven. Where are you?

She puts a hand to her temples and lets out a groan.

"You okay, Jane?" Joyce asks, looking over her shoulder.

Eleven. Answer me.

"Yeah, I… I have a bit… of a headache…"

"Oh." She turns to Hopper. "Can we stop by a drugstore before dropping her off?"

"No!" Eleven exclaims louder than necessary, startling both adults. "Sorry, I… Uhm… I have… medicine at home," she lies. "Just… Just take me… home."

"Okay," Joyce finally agrees. "Hopper, remember the street you should take is…"

Eleven takes advantage of the fact they are no longer paying attention to her to close her eyes and concentrate.

I'm almost there. Sorry. I'll explain later.

Silence. She doesn't know if Henry will respond.

And then: Hurry up.

Eleven makes a face: she can sense some of his emotions through the telepathic link he has created with her…

… And he's not happy at all.