The sun was setting as Daphne drove her Eldorado down the winding roads of Hawkins, the golden light filtering through the trees. The faint hum of the engine and the familiar landscape rolling by did little to soothe the unease that had settled in her chest.

She had just left Steve and Nancy, they met at their usual spot where the conversation had taken a somber turn. Barb's parents had sold their home to afford the services of a private investigator, a guy named Murray Bauman, who was looking into Barb's disappearance. The weight of the situation hung heavily on them all, and Daphne couldn't shake the feeling of dread that clung to her like a shadow.

As she rounded a bend in the road, something caught her eye in the rearview mirror—a flash of blue, followed by the unmistakable roar of an engine. A chill ran down her spine as she recognized the car behind her: a blue Camaro. Billy.

Daphne's grip tightened on the steering wheel as she glanced back again. The Camaro was keeping pace with her, the gap between them slowly closing. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension swirling inside her. What did he want?

She continued driving, trying to focus on the road ahead, but the presence of the Camaro was impossible to ignore.

Finally, unable to stand the tension any longer, Daphne slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road. She watched as the Camaro followed suit, parking a few feet behind her. The engine growled for a moment before falling silent.

Daphne took a deep breath, then opened her car door and stepped out, her eyes narrowing as Billy emerged from his Camaro. He sauntered toward her with that same confident attitude, the fading light glinting off his aviator sunglasses.

"Evening, Byers," Billy drawled, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Going somewhere in a hurry?"

Daphne leaned against the side of her car, crossing her arms over her chest as she studied him. "Just heading home. What's with the tailing?"

Billy shrugged, stopping a few feet in front of her. "Just thought I'd say hi. You looked like you could use some company."

Daphne raised an eyebrow, not buying his nonchalance. "You sure about that? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're up to something."

Billy chuckled, leaning against his car and folding his arms. "Always so suspicious, Byers. Can't a guy just want to talk?"

"Depends on the guy," Daphne shot back, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "And with you, Hargrove, I've learned to expect the unexpected."

He tilted his head, studying her with those piercing ocean blue eyes. "Maybe I just like keeping you on your toes."

Daphne rolled her eyes but couldn't help the slight amusement creeping into her voice. "Is that what this is? Some sort of game?"

Billy shrugged again, his smirk never fading. "Life's a game, sweetheart. Just depends on how you play it."

Daphne shifted her weight, her gaze steady on him. "And what's your game tonight? Because if you're trying to mess with me, it's not going to work."

Billy pushed off his car and took a step closer, his voice low and smooth. "Who said I'm trying to mess with you? Maybe I just wanted to see if you're as tough as you act."

Daphne met his gaze, unflinching. "You're gonna have to do better than that if you want to impress me, Hargrove."

Billy's smirk widened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Who said I'm trying to impress you?"

Daphne's heart skipped a beat at the intensity of his stare, but she refused to back down. "If you're not, then why are you here?"

Billy was silent for a moment, his eyes locked on hers, as if searching for something in her expression. Finally, he let out a low chuckle and shook his head. "You're a piece of work, Byers. You know that?"

Daphne couldn't help but laugh softly, the tension between them dissipating just a little. "I've been told."

Billy glanced back at his Camaro, then back at her, a more serious look crossing his face. "Look, I'm just saying—if you ever need a ride, you know where to find me."

Daphne's smile faded slightly, sensing a hint of sincerity in his tone. "I'll keep that in mind."

With that, Billy nodded, his usual cocky demeanor slipping back into place. "Good. See you around, Byers."

He turned and walked back to his car, sliding into the driver's seat with a casual ease. The Camaro's engine roared to life, and with one last look in her direction, Billy sped off down the road, leaving Daphne standing by her car, the quiet of the evening settling around her once more.

She watched him disappear into the distance, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity. What was Billy's deal?

Shaking off the uneasy feeling, Daphne climbed back into her Eldorado, the warmth of the car's interior comforting her as she started the engine. As she drove the rest of the way home, she couldn't help but wonder what Billy Hargrove would do next.

Daphne pulled into the driveway, her mind still buzzing from her encounter with Billy. The Camaro had long disappeared, but the unease he left clung to her like a shadow. She turned off the engine and sat in the quiet for a moment, taking a deep breath before stepping out of the car.

The familiar sounds of home greeted her as she approached the front door. Laughter, mixed with the soft murmur of conversation, spilled out into the evening air. She pushed the door open and was immediately met with the sight of her mother and Bob in the living room.

Bob was holding his camcorder, the lens trained on Joyce, who was playfully swatting at him, trying to get him to stop.

"Stop, stop!" Joyce laughed, half-heartedly pushing Bob away.

"Come on, you gotta get used to it," Bob teased, his smile wide as he continued filming. "This is the future."

"Well, put the future down and get me a clean bowl," Joyce said, shaking her head but smiling despite herself.

Daphne stood in the doorway, watching the scene with a small smile. It was good to see her mom happy. Bob had that effect on her, and for that, Daphne was grateful.

"Hey, you two," Daphne called out as she hung her keys by the door.

Bob lowered the camcorder and gave her a cheerful wave. "Hey, Daphne! How was your day?"

"Eventful," she replied, her thoughts flicking back to Billy. "But I survived."

Joyce gave her daughter a warm smile. "Glad you're home, sweetie. There's some food in the kitchen if you're hungry."

"I'm good, thanks," Daphne said, heading toward the hallway. "I'm just gonna check on Will."

She made her way down the hall and paused outside her little brother's room. The door was slightly opened and she could hear the soft scratch of pencil on paper. Pushing the door open, she saw Will sitting at his desk, drawing intently. In that same moment Jonathan appeared behind her, with a stacks of VHS tapes.

Jonathan made way and entered, while Daphne stood beside the door. "Hey, sis. Will and I were about to choose a movie."

"Amazing" Daphne said, stepping into the room. She glanced at Will's drawing, her heart aching a little at the sight. Her brother's art was always detailed, expressive—but lately, it had taken on a darker tone.

"Hey, bud," Jonathan said gently, trying to engage Will. "I didn't know what you'd like, so I got a variety. Take your pick."

Will didn't look up, his focus still on the paper in front of him. "Whatever you want."

Jonathan sighed softly, looking at his sister "Alright. What are you working on? Zombie Boy? Who's Zombie Boy?"

Will's pencil paused for a moment. "Me."

Daphne exchanged a concerned glance with Jonathan, who looked equally unsettled. "Did someone call you that?" Jonathan asked, his voice filled with concern. "Hey, you can talk to me— us. You know that, right? Whatever happened... Will, come on, talk to me."

Will finally looked up, his eyes clouded with frustration. "Stop treating me like that."

Daphne moved closer, sitting on the edge of Will's bed. "Like what, Will?" she asked gently.

"Like everyone else does," Will said, his voice trembling. "Like there's something wrong with me."

Daphne felt a pang of sadness in her chest. She and Jonathan had tried so hard to be there for Will, but it seemed they hadn't realized how much it was affecting him.

Jonathan shook his head. "What are you talking about?"

"Mom, Dustin, Lucas, everyone," Will continued, his voice rising slightly. "They all treat me like I'm gonna break, like I'm a baby, like I can't handle things on my own. It doesn't help—it just makes me feel like more of a freak."

Daphne frowned, her heart aching for her little brother. "Will, you're not a freak," she said softly. "You've been through a lot, and it's okay to feel different. But that doesn't make you any less amazing."

Jonathan's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Will's shoulder. "Daphne's right. You're not a freak."

"Yeah, I am," Will insisted, his eyes filling with tears. "I am."

Daphne knelt down beside her brother, her voice gentle but firm. "Will, listen to me. You're the strongest person I know. You survived something that most people can't even imagine. That doesn't make you a freak—it makes you a fighter."

But before she could say anything more, Jonathan spoke up again, his tone firm but kind. "You know what? You're right. You are a freak."

Will looked up at him, startled. "What?"

"No, I'm serious," Jonathan said, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're a freak. But what? Do you wanna be normal? Do you wanna be just like everyone else? Being a freak is the best—I mean, I'm a freak."

Will frowned in confusion. "Is that why you don't have any friends?"

Jonathan chuckled, the sound lightening the mood in the room. "I have friends, Will."

"Then why are you always hanging out with me?" Will asked, his voice small.

Jonathan glanced at Daphne, who gave him a supportive nod, before turning back to Will. "Because you're my best friend, alright? And I would rather be best friends with Zombie Boy than with a boring nobody. You know what I mean?"

Daphne smiled at Jonathan's words, her love for both her brothers swelling in her chest. "And you know what? He's right. We're all a little freaky in this family, and that's what makes us awesome."

Jonathan grinned and leaned in, his voice teasing. "Okay, look, who would you rather be friends with? Bowie or Kenny Rogers?"

Will made a face. "Ugh."

"Exactly," Jonathan said, nodding. "There's no contest. The thing is, nobody normal ever accomplished anything meaningful in this world. You got it?"

Will was silent for a moment, then he mumbled, "Well, some people like Kenny Rogers."

At that moment, Bob popped his head into the room, a grin on his face. "Kenny Rogers? I love Kenny Rogers!"

The three brothers burst out laughing, the tension finally breaking. Bob looked between them, a confused but amused expression on his face. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," Will said, still chuckling.

Bob smiled, clearly happy to see Will laughing. "Mr. Mom! Perfect!"

Daphne watched as Will and Jonathan exchanged a look, their bond stronger than ever. It was moments like these that reminded her how much they all needed each other—especially now.

As the laughter died down, Daphne leaned in and kissed Will on the top of his head. "I'm here too, you know. If you ever want to talk."

Will nodded, his expression softening. "Thanks, Daph."

She gave him a reassuring smile before standing up and ruffling Jonathan's hair affectionately. "And you—try not to eat all those snacks at once."

Jonathan rolled his eyes playfully. "No promises."

With a final glance back at her brothers, Daphne left the room, her heart a little lighter. The encounter with Billy, the worries about Will—everything seemed to fade away in the comfort of her family. She knew they had a tough road ahead, but as long as they had each other, they'd make it through.