Steve dropped down into the tunnel first, landing with a soft thud as his feet sank slightly into the spongy ground beneath him. The dim light from above cast an eerie glow on him as he stood up, slinging his bat over his shoulder. With the swim goggles pulled tightly over his eyes and the bandana tied around his mouth like a makeshift mask, he looked both ridiculous and strangely heroic at the same time. He glanced around cautiously, his eyes scanning the area before he motioned for the others to follow.
One by one, the kids dropped down into the tunnel. Mike was first, his expression a mix of determination and nervous energy as he landed beside Steve. Then Dustin and Lucas followed, both landing with soft grunts as their feet hit the uneven ground. Dove stood at the edge, her heart pounding as she watched them descend. She gave Max a reassuring nod before the younger girl jumped down, stumbling slightly on the unfamiliar terrain.
Dove took a deep breath before dropping down herself, her feet sinking into the soft, damp ground as she landed. The tunnel was unlike anything she had ever seen. It was organic—alive, almost. The ground beneath her feet felt like wet, spongy earth, covered in a slimy residue that clung to the soles of her shoes. Tendrils of dark, twisted vines snaked up the walls, pulsating faintly as if they had a mind of their own.
The air was thick and damp, carrying a foul, earthy odor that made Dove wrinkle her nose beneath her makeshift mask. Every breath felt heavy, weighed down by the humidity and the stench of decay that seemed to emanate from the very ground beneath them. A soft, rhythmic thrum vibrated through the tunnel, like the steady heartbeat of some unseen creature.
Faint beams of light filtered down through cracks in the ceiling, illuminating patches of the tunnel in an otherworldly glow. In the dim light, Dove could see strange, bioluminescent fungi clinging to the walls, casting a faint yellowish light that flickered like a dying firefly.
Steve turned toward Dove as she landed, reaching out instinctively to steady her. His hand gripped her arm gently, and she met his gaze through the goggles, her heart pounding from both the descent and the unsettling atmosphere around them. She gave him a small nod, signaling she was okay, and he let go, focusing his attention back on their surroundings.
The tunnel was alien, unsettling, and unlike anything Dove had ever imagined. Every sound seemed to carry, amplifying the feeling that they were deep underground, far from the world above.
"Holy shit.." Dove whispered, her voice barely audible beneath the bandana.
Steve nodded, his jaw tight as he took in their surroundings. "Yeah, it's not exactly a vacation spot," he muttered, his voice muffled by the fabric around his mouth. He glanced at the kids, who were all standing nearby, their faces tense with a mixture of fear and determination.
Mike shined his flashlight down at the map he had drawn, squinting slightly as he tried to make sense of the twisting, uneven lines. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's this way," he said, pointing to their right.
Dustin raised an eyebrow. "Pretty sure, or you're certain?"
Mike let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm 100% sure. Just follow me, and you'll know," he said confidently, starting to walk carefully through the tunnel.
Dove and Steve exchanged a quick glance, her expression hardening as she stepped forward. Before Steve could say anything, she held out her hand toward Mike.
"Give me the map," she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument.
Mike hesitated but handed it over, glancing nervously at Steve, who merely shrugged. Dove unfolded the map, her flashlight casting an uneven glow on the damp paper. She studied it for a moment before raising her head to address the group.
"Here's the deal," Dove began, her voice calm but commanding. "We stay close. We watch every step. And no one—" her gaze swept over each of them, landing on Dustin for just a second longer— "does anything stupid. Got it?"
Dustin frowned, his expression immediately offended. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Dove didn't miss a beat. "Because I know you," she replied flatly, her tone leaving no room for debate. "Steve, you're at the front. I'll take the back."
Steve didn't say anything, just nodded, his expression tight as he took the map from Dove's hands. Adjusting his grip on the bat, he turned and moved to the front of the group, his flashlight casting long, uneven shadows on the tunnel walls.
Reluctantly, the kids followed Steve as he took the lead, Dove taking up the rear to keep an eye on everyone. As they moved deeper into the tunnels, the air seemed to grow thicker, and the pulsing vines along the walls felt more alive, throbbing with an unsettling rhythm.
Dustin, still clearly sulking, glanced back at Dove. "I don't always do stupid stuff, you know."
"Prove it," Dove said quietly, her focus on the shifting shapes in the darkness around them. "By not being the reason we all die down here."
Dustin huffed but didn't say anything as Steve came to a stop at a crossroads. His eyes flicked between the map and the tunnels stretching out before them. After a brief pause, he chose the path on the right, and the group continued forward. The eerie silence weighed heavily on them, the only sounds being the crunch of their shoes and the faint, rhythmic hum of the tunnel itself.
Dustin suddenly halted, his eyes widening as his flashlight illuminated something on the ceiling. "What the hell is that?" he whispered, staring at a large, pulsating pustule hanging just above them.
Dove's gaze followed Dustin's, her flashlight landing on the grotesque mass. The pustule was swollen and translucent, bulging with a sickly yellow light that seemed ready to burst out. The surface quivered, and without warning, it ruptured, releasing a stream of large, white particles into the air.
"Shit!" Dustin screamed, stumbling back in a blind panic. His feet slipped on the damp ground, and he careened into Dove, sending them both crashing to the floor.
"Help! Help!" Dustin shrieked, his hands clawing at his face as if the particles were burning him. His flashlight rolled away, casting chaotic beams of light across the walls.
Dove's heart slammed against her ribcage as she scrambled to her knees. "Dustin, stay still!" she shouted, trying to grab his flailing arms. Her own flashlight clattered to the ground, spinning wildly and bathing the tunnel in erratic light.
Mike rushed back to them, his voice filled with alarm. "Dustin!"
Steve pushed through the group, his bat at the ready. "What the hell's going on?!" he demanded, eyes darting between Dustin and the strange particles still floating through the air.
Dustin was on all fours, his bandana mask pulled down, coughing violently. "It's in my mouth! Some got in my mouth! Shit!" he gasped, spitting frantically onto the ground as if trying to purge every trace of the contamination.
"Dustin!" Dove's voice cracked with panic as she crawled forward, grabbing his shoulders. Her mind raced as she forced him to stop moving. "Look at me!" she yelled, her tone sharper than she intended as she cupped his face, making him meet her eyes. "You're okay," she said, her voice steadier now, though her heart was pounding. "You're okay."
Dustin's breathing hitched, and he coughed one more time, his body trembling beneath her grip. But then he paused, his wide, panicked eyes meeting hers as he nodded shakily. "I'm okay," he whispered, though his voice was barely audible.
The others stood nearby, mumbling under their breath about Dustin being an idiot. One by one, they turned and continued down the tunnel, leaving the siblings to recover.
Dove let out a shaky breath as she stood up, pulling Dustin to his feet. "You good?" she asked, her voice soft.
Dustin nodded, his face pale. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm good."
The group continued forward, their flashlights casting eerie shadows on the walls. After a few more minutes, the tunnel opened into a vast, alien chamber—the hub. The air felt heavy, suffocating, with white particles drifting like sinister snowflakes through the stagnant air. The ceiling arched impossibly high, vines pulsing faintly as they crawled over every surface, giving the room an unsettling, rhythmic life. In the dim light of their flashlights, it was like standing inside the heart of some ancient, melevolent being.
Mike was the first to step forward, his steps cautious as he pulled out a weed sprayer filled with gasoline. "Let's do this," he said quietly, spraying the thick liquid onto the vines that covered the walls and floor. The scent of gasoline quickly filled the air, mixing with the foul odor of decay.
The others followed his lead, one by one, pulling out their own cans and moving carefully across the chamber. The sound of liquid splashing against the vines echoed faintly, each stream soaking the twisted tendrils until they glistened with an oily sheen. The gasoline dripped to the floor, forming slick pools that reflected the cold, pale glow of the flashlight beams. Every corner of the hub was covered, the effort meticulous and tense.
Dove poured the last of her gas onto a particularly thick cluster of vines at the chamber's edge, her hands trembling slightly. The air was thick with fumes now, each breath a sharp reminder of the risk they were taking. She tightened her grip on her flashlight as she moved back to the entrance, joining the others as they regrouped.
Steve stood next to her, sweat streaking through the grime on his face, his chest rising and falling heavily. His expression was grim, but his movements were deliberate as he pulled a lighter from his pocket. He flicked it open, the tiny flame sputtering to life and casting wavering, golden shadows on the vine-covered walls.
"Everyone ready?" he asked, his voice steady but filled with urgency.
They all nodded, their faces pale and tense in the dim light. Steve gave one last look at Dove, and when she nodded back, he turned toward the hub, his eyes narrowing in resolve. He threw the lighter into the center of the gasoline-soaked chamber.
The explosion was immediate, a burst of flames erupting in the heart of the hub, consuming the vines and tendrils in a flash of heat and fire. The oxygen in the room seemed to vanish, sucked into the inferno, and the roaring flames illuminated the space in a fiery glow. Heat rolled over them like a wave, devouring everything in its path.
"Go! Go!" Steve's voice rang out, sharp and commanding as he motioned frantically for them to move.
The group bolted, adrenaline surging as they sprinted back into the tunnel. The oppressive heat chased them, the fire crackling and roaring at their backs. The walls seemed alive, twisting and pulsing, almost writhing in response to the destruction behind them. Each step felt like a race against time, the narrow tunnels closing in with every second.
Dove's flashlight beam danced erratically as she ran, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Mike was just ahead of her, his footsteps quick as he scrambled over the uneven ground. Then, suddenly, he tripped. His flashlight clattered to the floor as he went down hard, a cry of pain escaping his lips.
"Help!" Mike screamed, his voice raw with terror as he clawed at the ground, trying to pull himself up.
Dove skidded to a stop, her flashlight beam landing on a thick vine that had wrapped itself tightly around Mike's ankle, constricting like a serpent.
"Mike!" Dove cried, falling to her knees beside him, her hands fumbling to pry the vine loose. She yanked and twisted, her fingers slipping against the slick surface, but it wouldn't budge. Panic gripped her chest as Mike's screams grew louder, his eyes wide with fear.
"Dove, get back!" Steve's voice boomed from behind her.
Dove scrambled backward just as Steve swung his bat with all his strength. The bat connected with the vine in a sickening crack, the impact sending tremors through the ground. Again and again, Steve brought the bat down, hacking at the vine with fierce determination. Finally, with one last powerful swing, the vine snapped, releasing Mike's ankle with a grotesque squelch.
Steve offered his hand to Dove, pulling her to her feet, his grip strong and steady. For a brief moment, their eyes locked, the tension between them palpable in the dim light of the tunnels. The silent connection hung between them like a thread, ready to snap at any moment.
A familiar, chilling screech echoed through the tunnel.
Dove's blood ran cold as her gaze snapped to the source. Dart stood at the far end of the tunnel, his twisted form illuminated by the flickering glow of the flames. He was larger than before, his grotesque, petal-like mouth opening wide to reveal rows of jagged teeth. The sound of his snarls reverberated off the walls, a low, menacing growl that sent a shiver through the group.
The oppressive silence that followed was deafening. Dove's hand instinctively tightened on Steve's arm, her breath catching in her throat as Dart took a slow, deliberate step forward, his predatory gaze locked on them.
"Dart," Dustin whispered, his voice trembling as he took a cautious step forward. His eyes locked on the creature standing just a few feet away, its grotesque form looming in the dim light.
"Dustin, no!" Mike hissed, his voice panicked, but Dustin shushed him, not taking his eyes off Dart. The creature let out a low snarl, its flower-like mouth opening slightly as it took another step forward.
"It's me," Dustin continued, his voice soft but steady. He pulled down his mask and lifted his goggles to his forehead, fully exposing his face to Dart. "It's just your friend. It's Dustin."
Dove's nails dug into Steve's arm as she watched her little brother crouch in front of the monstrous creature. Her heart hammered in her chest, every muscle in her body tense, bracing for the worst.
"You remember me?" Dustin asked, his tone gentle, his every movement calculated to appear non-threatening. Dart stepped forward, his snarling mouth only inches from Dustin's face now, the rows of sharp teeth glistening in the dim light.
Dustin swallowed hard, his hands trembling as he slowly raised them in a gesture of peace. "Will you let us pass?" he asked, his voice cracking ever so slightly.
Dart's growl deepened, vibrating through the tunnel like a warning. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry," Dustin stammered, raising his hands slightly in a placating gesture. "I'm sorry about the storm cellar. That was a pretty douchey thing to do." He eased his backpack off, unzipping it slowly. "You hungry?"
Dustin pulled out a crumpled, slightly melted Three Musketeers bar, unwrapping it with shaking hands. "Look, I've got our favorite. Nougat," he said, holding the candy bar out, his voice soothing but firm.
Dart leaned forward, sniffing the air, his sharp teeth closing with a snap just short of the candy. Dustin carefully placed the bar on the ground in front of him. The group held their breath as Dart sniffed again, then lunged forward—not at Dustin, but at the candy.
The creature bit into the bar, chewing with a low, satisfied growl.
Dustin glanced over his shoulder, frantically motioning for the group to move forward. One by one, they edged past Dart, their movements slow and deliberate. Dove's breath caught in her throat as she slipped past the creature, every step feeling like a gamble.
Dustin stayed rooted in place for a moment longer, watching as Dart devoured the candy bar. With one final glance at the creature, he stood carefully, his movements deliberate as he followed the group, his steps quick but controlled, leaving Dart behind.
The tunnel opened into the chamber where they had first entered, the rope they had used to descend hanging like a lifeline from the ceiling. Relief flickered across their faces, but it was fleeting. The ground beneath them groaned, a deep, ominous rumble that sent shockwaves through the earth. The walls quivered, and the vines pulsed like veins carrying an enraged heartbeat. The monsters' roars echoed from deeper within the tunnels, their cries growing louder with every passing second.
"Let's go!" Steve shouted, urgency cutting through his voice like a blade. He didn't wait for anyone to move, grabbing Max by the legs and lifting her toward the exit.
Max scrambled up the rope, her hands gripping it tightly as Steve turned to Lucas next. He hoisted the boy up with practiced ease, his movements sharp and efficient as the tremors beneath them grew more violent.
As Steve helped Mike up, Dove twisted around, her heart in her throat as the shadows of the monsters appeared on the tunnel walls. She could feel the vibration of their charging feet through the ground, a terrifying rhythm that seemed to match her own racing pulse.
Steve stepped forward, his bat raised, his jaw clenched with fierce determination. "Stay behind me," he growled, his voice low and steady. He glanced at Dove, his eyes locking with hers for a split second.
Dove grabbed Dustin and pulled him into a protective embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around him as if she could shield him from what was about to happen. Her breath caught in her throat as the first Demodog rounded the corner, its grotesque form illuminated by their flashlights.
This is it, she thought, her entire body trembling. She could hear Dustin's breath quicken in her arms, but there was nothing more they could do.
The Demodog snarled, its claws scraping against the ground as it charged. Time seemed to slow as it closed the distance, its gaping, flower-like mouth revealing rows of jagged teeth. But just as it reached them, it veered to the side, its massive body brushing against Dove's legs as it ran past.
Dove's eyes widened in shock, barely able to comprehend what had just happened.
More Demodogs appeared, an entire army of them flooding the tunnel. Steve wrapped his arms around both Dove and Dustin, trying to steady them as the creatures charged by, the sheer force of their speed threatening to knock them off balance. Each one flew past them, but none attacked.
As the last Demodog disappeared into the darkness, Steve's grip loosened, his breath coming out in heavy, ragged gasps. "What the hell just happened?" he asked, his voice low and cautious, as if afraid speaking too loudly might shatter whatever miracle had just spared them.
"El's closing the gate," Dove replied, her voice trembling as she held Dustin close, her arms wrapped tightly around him. She felt his heartbeat pounding against her chest, a mirror of her own.
Before anyone could say another word, the ground beneath them shook violently, a deep rumble echoing through the tunnels. Dust and debris fell from the ceiling, and the walls seemed to quiver with the force.
Dove's grip tightened on Dustin as she glanced at Steve, urgency flashing in her eyes. "We need to get the hell out of here."
Steve didn't hesitate. "Go!" he shouted, waving Dustin forward. Dustin scrambled toward the rope, his hands fumbling for a secure grip as the tremors grew stronger. Dove stayed close behind, her heart racing as she kept a watchful eye on the tunnel's dark mouth, half-expecting the Demodogs to come barreling back at any second.
Dove grabbed the rope next, her hands trembling but steady as she hauled herself up. Each pull sent a sharp ache through her muscles, but she didn't slow down, her gaze fixed on the opening above. The faint light spilling in from the surface was their only salvation. She reached the edge, Lucas and Max grabbing her arms to help pull her through.
The air outside felt fresh, crisp, like a breath of relief as she reached solid ground. Her heart was pounding, the adrenaline still rushing through her veins. Dove's eyes darted to the edge of the tunnel where Steve stood, still below. Her heart skipped a beat as the ground beneath them rumbled again, and the walls of the tunnel groaned ominously.
"Come on!" she yelled, her voice cracking as she dropped to her knees by the opening.
Steve didn't waste a second, slinging his bat onto his back as he started to climb. But as he ascended, a deep, guttural groan reverberated through the tunnel. The walls began to shift, vines creeping toward the opening above. The hole was closing.
Steve's face was pale, sweat pouring down his brow as he gripped the rope, his feet slipping against the walls as he fought to climb up. The rope swung wildly, Steve's weight straining it as he pushed off the crumbling dirt. Dove's breath hitched in her throat, her hands reaching out desperately.
He looked up, his eyes locking with hers, and pushed himself harder. Just as the gap grew dangerously small, his fingers brushed hers. Dove gripped his wrist tightly, the kids rushing to her side to help pull him up.
With one final heave, they yanked Steve up onto solid ground, the hole sealing shut behind him with a sickening crunch. Steve collapsed beside Dove, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. Dirt covered his clothes, his face streaked with grime and sweat.
Dove fell back onto the grass, her arms spread wide as she let the cold night air fill her lungs. For a moment, they all lay there, the silence filled only by their ragged breathing. The faint sound of crickets in the distance felt almost surreal after the chaos they had just escaped.
Dove was the first to laugh—a breathless, shaky sound that seemed to catch everyone off guard. Dustin looked at her, confused for a second, before a grin spread across his face, and he started laughing too. One by one, the others joined in, the weight of their fear and exhaustion breaking under the sheer relief of being alive.
"We did it," Dove said finally, her voice weak but triumphant as she turned her head to look at Steve. A wide smile broke across her face despite the ache in her chest. "We actually did it."
Steve let out a groan, rolling onto his back. "Barely," he muttered, though there was the faintest trace of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Barely still counts," Dustin quipped, his laughter finally subsiding as he sat up, brushing dirt off his hands. He glanced down at his watch, his grin widening. "Hey, good news—we've still got eight hours before school starts. Plenty of time to shower and pretend none of this happened."
Steve turned his head to look at Dustin. "There's no way I'm going to school tomorrow."
Dove raised an eyebrow, propping herself up on her elbows. "Yes, you are. We have Mundy's midterm review tomorrow."
Steve turned his head to look at her, his lips curving into a slow, sly grin. "Mundy? Please, I've never learned a thing from that guy." He paused, his voice taking on a smooth, almost playful tone. "But.. if someone were to, I don't know, help me study, I might consider showing up."
Dove raised an eyebrow, caught between amusement and disbelief. "You mean, like a study date?"
Steve shrugged, his grin widening. "Hey, if you want to call it a date, I'm not complaining."
Dove blinked, momentarily thrown off by his boldness. She opened her mouth to respond but couldn't quite find the words. Instead, she let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable."
Steve's grin didn't falter, his confidence unwavering. "That's not a no."
The kids, who had been watching the exchange like it was a tennis match, exchanged glances. Dustin leaned toward Lucas and whispered, "Is Steve Harrington seriously hitting on my sister right now? That's wierd, right?"
Lucas shrugged, his face somewhere between disbelief and amusement. "What's weird is that it's kinda working."
Max shook her head. "Please. Dove has standards."
Dove shot the kids a sharp look, making it abundantly clear she'd heard every word. They all froze, guilt and amusement flickering across their faces. Turning back to Steve, Dove raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "I will help you study. No funny business."
A genuine smile spread across Steve's face, softening his features. "Scout's honor," he said, raising three fingers in a mock salute.
Before the moment could linger, Max abruptly stood and strode toward Billy's car without a word, her steps deliberate. She yanked the driver's side door open, climbing in and reaching for the keys in her pocket.
"Not happening," Steve said sharply, moving faster than anyone expected and snatching the keys out of Max's hand before she could insert them into the ignition.
"Hey!" Max protested, her glare sharp enough to cut steel. "I'm perfectly capable of driving."
Steve shook his head firmly, his expression resolute. "I am never—ever—getting in a vehicle that you're driving ever again."
Max opened her mouth to argue, but before she could get a word out, Dove stood up and walked over, her arms crossed. "Steve," she said, her tone calm but pointed, "can you even see out of your left eye?"
Steve pointed at his right eye, his battered face twisting into a smirk. "That's why God gave me two."
Dove rolled her eyes, stepping closer as she held out her hand, palm open and expectant. Her stance was steady, her gaze unwavering. "Keys."
Steve hesitated, his jaw tightening as his eyes flicked from the keys in his hand to Dove's outstretched palm. His expression was a mix of defiance and resignation, as if he were wrestling with the idea of surrender. "Dove—"
"Keys," she repeated, her voice firm but patient, leaving no room for argument.
Steve let out a long, dramatic groan, his shoulders sagging in defeat. With a reluctant flourish, he slapped the keys into her hand. "Fine, but I call shotgun."
Max, who had been watching the exchange with barely contained amusement, smirked triumphantly and slid into the passenger seat without a word, her movements quick and smug.
Steve narrowed his eyes at Max before shaking his head, his frustration evident. He walked around to the back door, muttering under his breath. "Unbelievable."
Dove shot him a sidelong glance as she opened the driver's door. "Keep it up, Harrington, and you'll be riding in the trunk."
Steve's faint grin didn't quite mask his defeat as he climbed into the backseat, grumbling as everyone settled into the vehicle.
Dove eased the car into motion, the gravel crunching under the tires as they began the drive back to the Byers house. The darkened streets passed by in a blur, the eerie quiet outside contrasting with the occasional murmurs inside the car. The sight of the house brought a shared sense of relief, a glimmer of normalcy on the horizon after everything they'd been through.
Dove eased the car to a stop in the Byers' driveway, her hands tightening momentarily on the steering wheel as her eyes locked on the figure sitting on the porch steps. Billy. A bag of frozen peas was pressed against his neck, his shoulders hunched, and his gaze distant. For a moment, he looked.. harmless. Vulnerable, even. It was a stark contrast to the terrifying force he'd been just hours before.
She stepped out of the car, her feet crunching against the gravel as she moved toward him. He looked up at her approach, his eyes meeting hers. There was no malice, no cocky grin—just silence. Dove couldn't help but think how small he seemed, sitting there with his bruises and bloodied lip, stripped of the bravado that had once made her fear him.
"I didn't think you'd still be here," Dove said, her voice quieter than she intended. She pulled his keys from her pocket and held them out. "Sorry about the scratches. Max hit a mailbox."
Billy's jaw tightened at her words, but he didn't respond, his usual sharpness replaced with something muted, almost resigned. He reached out, taking the keys without a word.
Steve stepped out of the car, Max trailing closely behind him. Billy's eyes scanned Steve's battered face and a smirk grew on his lips, almost imperceptible, but it was there. Dove's lips pressed into a thin line as she stepped closer, cutting off Billy's line of sight.
"You can keep the peas," she said dryly, nodding toward the bag in his hand. She had no patience for any more games.
Billy's attention shifted, his expression sobering as he glanced over at Max. His voice was quiet, almost hollow when he finally spoke. "I can't go home without her."
Max froze behind Dove, her shoulders stiffening. Steve instinctively moved closer, his protective instincts flaring, but Dove held up a hand, stopping him. Her eyes softened, though her posture remained firm.
"She's not going anywhere with you," Dove said, her tone steady.
Max hesitated for only a moment before stepping around Dove, her shoulders squaring as she approached Billy. "It's okay," she said, her voice steady, though a trace of uncertainty lingered in her eyes. "He's not gonna do anything." Dove's brow furrowed, her instinct to step in flaring but Max turned to look at her, something resolute in her expression. "I'll be fine," Max assured her, her voice firmer now. She glanced back at Mike, Dustin, and Lucas, who were just now catching up to the group. "I'll see you guys at school, okay?"
The boys exchanged uncertain glances, but none of them spoke.
Dove's chest tightened as she watched Max step closer to Billy. She wanted to stop her, to pull her back, but there was something in Max's posture—a mix of defiance and trust—that made Dove pause. Instead, she took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "Okay," she said softly, though her hesitation was evident.
Max gave her a small smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes, before walking to Billy's car and climbing into the passenger seat. Billy, still sitting on the porch, waited until she was settled before standing. He didn't look at anyone else as he walked to the driver's side, his movements stiff and deliberate.
Dove, Steve, and the boys stood in silence as the engine roared to life. The car's headlights illuminated the driveway as Billy backed out, the gravel crunching under the tires.
Dove's hands curled into fists at her sides as she watched them drive away, disappearing down the dark road. She forced herself to take a breath, but the night felt heavier now, the silence pressing in around them like a suffocating blanket.