Chapter 50

Bit of a shorter chapter buuuuuut this is the end of season 3 and it makes me SO sad. But do not fret baguettes, there is more adventure still to come. Enjoy!

The days that followed crawled by like dragging chains. Maggie floated in a haze of painkillers, bandages, and monitors. Even with being in and out of the hospital, that wasn’t the worst part. It was the suffocating dread that had settled in her chest.

Shortly after the mall incident, Joyce’s announcement hit her like a freight train. They were leaving Hawkins. Maggie had thrown herself against the idea like it was an enemy, because, in her mind, it was. The thought of leaving her friends, the kids she had risked everything to protect, and above all, Nancy, felt like a betrayal to every part of herself that had ever fought for anyone.

Every minute spent with Nancy became a countdown. Her brain couldn’t stop ticking down the days and hours until departure. Every laugh, every glance, every brush of a hand felt tainted with the knowledge that it was temporary. Joyce’s reasoning made sense. She just wanted her kids safe, far from Hawkins’ endless horrors, but Maggie couldn’t help the bitter ache in her chest.

One afternoon, after another check-up and the endless rounds of doctors fussing over her injuries, Maggie finds herself in the quiet hospital parking lot. Steve and Robin are waiting, leaning against the side of the car, their expressions heavy. Steve’s hair is messier than usual, Robin’s brow furrowed with a mix of frustration and concern that had become her default.

Maggie hobbles toward them, using her crutches, every movement a reminder of the battle she had survived.

“Hey,” she greets.

Steve pushes off the car, trying to hide his discomfort with a grin, “Hey. You holding up?”

Maggie smirks faintly, “I’m alive. That’s gotta count for something.”

Robin gives her a small, wry smile.

“Barely,” she says, nudging the sleeve of Maggie’s jacket, “But yeah… alive counts.”

The air between them is heavy. Maggie’s chest tightens, and for a moment, she just lets herself soak in the familiarity, comfort, and chaotic bond that had grown between them.

“I… I’m leaving,” Maggie says finally, her voice small, “Tomorrow. We’re going to start over somewhere else.”

Steve stiffens, mouth opening as if to argue, but Maggie raises a hand.

“I know what you’re gonna say. I don’t want an argument. I just… I needed to see you both, say goodbye.”

Robin’s face softens.

“We’re gonna miss you, you know,” she says, “Hawkins… won’t be the same without you.”

Steve scratches the back of his neck, unable to meet her eyes.

“Yeah… me too, Maggie. I—” He stops, swallows, and lets out a small, awkward laugh, “I just… take care of yourself, alright? And don’t get yourself killed. Again.”

Maggie laughs, despite the tightness in her chest, “You promise you’ll try not to get yourselves killed either?”

They share a quiet moment, letting the weight of it settle. Maggie steps closer, reaching out. Robin touches her shoulder, Steve ruffles her hair in a protective, familiar gesture.

“I’ll… miss this,” Maggie says “Miss you guys.”

Steve gives a reluctant nod, “We’ll miss you too. Seriously. Don’t forget us.”

“I won’t,” Maggie says softly, glancing between them one last time, before turning to leave.

Robin calls after her, voice full of warmth, “Don’t be a stranger, alright?”

“Never,” Maggie calls back, a smile breaking through the tension, “You hear me? Never.”

Steve watched her go for a moment longer, hands still hanging in the air like he wasn’t ready to let go. Then, with a sigh, he turned back to Robin. “Yeah… she’s something else, huh?”

Robin smirked, shaking her head. “That she is.”

Maggie climbs into Joyce’s car, the engine roaring to life as the headlights cut through the fading afternoon. She watches the hospital disappear behind her, and though part of her chest aches with every passing second, she holds onto the memory of their smiles, care, and unspoken promise that some bonds can’t be broken, not even by distance.

So now, here they are, the next day. The sun slants through the windows, casting long shadows across the almost-empty living room. The kids scurry about, bending and lifting, the occasional clatter of a box lid or the squeak of packing tape breaking the tension. Nancy moves from room to room, guiding, sorting, and occasionally shaking her head at the mayhem.

Maggie sits in her bedroom, cross-legged on the floor amid a scattered collection of clothes, books, and trinkets she’s determined to take with her. Each item feels heavy. They’re a silent reminder that leaving Hawkins is more than just packing a car, it’s leaving a piece of herself behind. She gathers the last of her things, stacking them neatly, taking a deep breath, trying to steady the lump in her throat.

The door creaks open. Maggie glances up, and there’s El, hesitantly stepping inside.

“Maggie,” she says softly.

Maggie’s head shoots up instantly, a smile brightening her face despite the gnawing ache in her chest.

“Hey, pumpkin. What’s up?”

El shifts her weight, hands fidgeting.

“Hop… he left me a note,” she murmurs, nose slightly red, as though she’s been holding back tears, “He left one for you too.”

Maggie’s smile falters, “He–what?”

El swallows, then continues, “He wrote a note before… before everything. There’s one for you too.”

She steps forward and outstretches her hand, offering a small, folded-up piece of lined paper, corners worn and slightly crumpled. Maggie reaches for it, fingers trembling, heart thudding like it wants to leap out of her chest.

“Thank you, El,” she whispers.

El gives the faintest, almost shy smile, then retreats quietly from the room, leaving Maggie with the fragile piece of paper and a sudden quiet that presses against her ears.

Maggie stares at the folded note for a long moment, breathing slowly.

A soft voice breaks the silence, “What’s that?”

Nancy leans against the doorway, arms crossed, a small, warm smile tugging at her lips. Her eyes are careful, waiting for Maggie take the first step.

“Hop… he… he left me a note,” Maggie says, voice shaky, “I… I don’t know what he possibly had to say.”

Nancy crosses the room, sliding onto the floor beside Maggie. One hand settles lightly on her knee.

“Well,” she says gently, “I’m here.”

Maggie inhales, chest tightening. She slowly unfolds the paper. The messy scrawl of Hopper’s handwriting spreads across the page.

Maggie –

I know you think I’m this big grumpy guy all the time who can’t talk about feelings. And, you’re right, but I have to at least try. Even when I seemed fed up with you, annoyed by you, wanting to lock you up in a jail cell, I enjoyed having you around.

You… you are one of the bravest, most stubborn, most ridiculous kids I’ve ever met. And I mean that in the best way possible. You fight, you protect, you love harder than anyone deserves, and sometimes, I think you forget that you’re allowed to just… be. Just be safe. Just be happy.

You’ve been through so much already. The things we’ve faced in Hawkins… I’ve watched you throw yourself into danger without a second thought. And I’ve watched you care for everyone else, El, Nancy, the other kids, your family, before you’ve even thought about yourself. I know it’s who you are, but I also know it scares me. And I guess that’s why I had to make this note.

El… she’s lucky to have you. You’ve been a light for her when things were dark, and I know she’ll remember that. You remind her, remind all of them, what it’s like to have someone in your corner, even when the world is trying to tear everything apart. And that’s the part I want you to hold onto. When you’re far away, when Hawkins feels like a memory too heavy to carry, remember that you made a difference. You still make a difference.

I don’t have the right words to tell you not to be afraid. And honestly, I can’t promise the world will be easy or safe, but I can promise this: I believe in you. I trust you. And I will always… always be proud of you. You’ve got a fire in you, Maggie, a fire that can’t be put out. Don’t let anyone, or anything, snuff that out. Not even me.

Take care of each other. Take care of El. Take care of yourself. And if you ever forget… if you ever doubt yourself… remember this: You are loved. And you always will be.

Hopper

Tears still wet on her cheeks, Maggie tucks Hopper’s note into her bag, pressing it against her chest for a brief moment as if keeping him close could somehow slow down time. She swallows hard, then wipes at the streaks on her face.

“Sorry,” she mutters to Nancy, forcing a bitter, sad laugh.

Nancy gives her a reassuring smile, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Maggie’s ear, “C’mon, let’s get this all packed up.”

The two of them move through the house together, gathering the last stray belongings. The kids dart back and forth, taping up boxes, labeling them with varying degrees of legibility, and occasionally bumping into one another in their hurry. Will is carefully stacking fragile items, glancing nervously at Maggie every few seconds, while Lucas rounds up board games and old science projects.

Maggie moves slowly, still sore and exhausted from everything, but determined to do her part. Every box she lifts feels heavier from memory.

El slips quietly beside her at one point, placing a small hand on Maggie’s shoulder. They exchange a silent acknowledgment of everything they’ve survived together. Maggie gives her a small nod, eyes still shiny, and they continue their work side by side.

The living room grows emptier by the hour. Maggie pauses to glance around, her chest tightening, before shaking herself and bending down to tape the last box.

Nancy watches her, lips pressed together, holding back her own tears.

“Almost done,” she says softly, “Just a few more things, and then you’ll be ready.”

Outside, the moving truck rumbles as it waits, ready to swallow their lives and carry them to a new city. The sound makes Maggie flinch.

As the last few boxes are carried out, the house grows quieter and emptier.

Finally, after hours that feel like days, everything is packed. The moving truck is full, the house echoes with absence, and the sun is starting to dip. Maggie leans against the doorway, taking a deep breath.

Nancy joins her, gently taking her hand.

“Ready?” she asks softly.

Maggie nods, eyes glistening, “Yeah… I think so.”

They step outside together, the crisp air hitting them. The kids are clustered around the truck, bags slung over shoulders, faces illuminated by the fading sunlight.

“Hey,” Nancy says softly, beginning her teary goodbye.

“Hey,” Maggie whispers back, “I… I don’t know how to do this part.”

Nancy lets out a breath, nodding slightly.

“Me neither,” she admits.

She lifts a hand, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Maggie’s ear, “I… I wish we had more time.”

“Me too,” Maggie says, tears brimming.

She swallows hard, trying to form the words, but they catch in her throat. After a moment, she blurts, “I don’t want to leave you.”

Nancy shakes her head, a small, sad smile tugging at her lips, “I know. I don’t want you to go either.”

Her voice cracks slightly, betraying the control she’s trying to maintain, “But… you have to. Joyce… Will, Jonathan, El… it’s time. I can’t ask you to stay, not knowing the risks.”

Maggie steps closer, pressing both hands against Nancy’s shoulders, searching her eyes, “I promise I’ll come back. I’ll visit. I won’t let this be… forever.”

Nancy swallows, fighting back the tears that have been threatening to fall since Maggie started packing.

“Promise?” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

“Promise,” Maggie says firmly, though her own tears spill freely down her cheeks now.

She leans forward, resting her forehead against Nancy’s.

“I’m not… I’m not leaving you behind. You’ll always be here.” She taps her chest lightly, “Always.”

Nancy hugs her tightly, arms wrapping around her with the intensity of someone trying to hold onto a piece of their heart.

“I… I love you, Maggie,” she says, voice breaking.

Maggie clutches her even tighter, tears soaking into Nancy’s shirt, “I love you too. I always have.”

They stand like that for what feels like forever, holding onto each other as if letting go would mean losing a part of themselves. Around them, the yard is quiet, the sounds of the moving truck, the kids, and the town fading into the background, leaving just the two of them and the weight of everything they’ve endured.

Finally, Maggie pulls back just slightly, cupping Nancy’s face in her hands.

“I’ll see you soon,” she says, trying to keep her voice steady.

Nancy nods, lips trembling.

“Soon,” she echoes, “Just… come back to me.”

Maggie presses one last lingering kiss to her forehead, inhaling her scent one last time, committing it to memory.

“Always,” she whispers.

She steps back, releasing Nancy’s hands reluctantly, but doesn’t move toward the truck.

“I still have to say goodbye to the others,” Maggie says softly, her voice breaking.

Nancy smiles sadly, understanding, “Go. I’ll be right here when you come back.”

Maggie makes her way to the group of kids huddled near the truck, Lucas, Max, Dustin, and Mike. Lucas is the first to notice her, giving her a small, tight-lipped grin.

“So… you’re really leaving, huh?” he asks, though the question is heavy with emotion.

“I’m leaving Hawkins eventually,” Maggie says, shaking her head slightly, “but I couldn’t go without saying goodbye to all of you first.”

Max steps forward, tears already brimming.

“I don’t even… I can’t believe you’re going,” she says, voice catching, “We… we’re going to miss you so much.”

“I’ll miss you too,” Maggie says, pulling Max into a tight hug, “I’ll come visit. I promise. You know I can’t stay away forever.”

Dustin nearly jumps on her next, enveloping her in a bear hug, “You better! I’ve got like… a hundred new science experiments waiting for you. And don’t forget—Suzie says hi too.”

Maggie laughs through tears, hugging him back tightly, “Tell Suzie I said hi. And yes, I’ll come see all of it.”

Mike comes forward last, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, “Promise me you’ll stay safe, okay?”

“I promise,” Maggie whispers, resting her head briefly against his shoulder, “I’ll see you all soon. I swear.”

Lucas claps a hand on her other shoulder, giving her a firm squeeze, “Good. Don’t think you can escape us that easily. Hawkins isn’t done with you yet.”

Maggie laughs shakily, tears still streaking her face, “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

She climbs into the car behind Jonathan and Will, waving at Nancy one last time. The engine rumbles to life, tires crunching over the gravel as they start to pull away.

From the driveway, Nancy stands with Lucas, Dustin, Mike, and Max clustered beside her, each one holding back tears, hands gripping one another as if physical contact could somehow make the separation less real.

Maggie presses her hand to the window, Nancy mirroring the motion on the outside. For a long moment, their fingers almost touch, separated only by glass, hearts aching in unison.

Maggie mouths, “I love you,” and Nancy responds silently, tears streaming down her face, “I love you too.”

The car turns slowly onto the street, following the truck, driving past the familiar houses, the places where Maggie has laughed, cried, fought, and loved. Nancy and the kids stand frozen for a long moment, eyes locked on the receding vehicles, watching the dust rise behind them.

Max wraps an arm around Mike, Lucas grips Dustin’s shoulder, and Nancy presses a hand to her chest, silently tracing the outline of Maggie’s presence still lingering in her mind.

Finally, as they disappear from view, Nancy exhales, a mixture of sorrow and hope filling her chest.

“She’ll come back,” she murmurs, more to herself than anyone else.

And somewhere down the road, Maggie clutches her bag, glances out the window at the fading streets of Hawkins, and whispers to herself, “I’ll be back… I promise.”