The Man of Average

Forty-year-old Mike Wheeler's ordinary life in Hawkins is shattered when his famous ex-boyfriend Will Byers - now a wealthy porn star and activist - invites his family to spend summer on his private island. Trapped between his dissatisfied marriage, unresolved feelings for Will, and his teenage son's disturbing infatuation with his former lover, Mike must navigate a web of desire, regret, and dangerous temptation that threatens to destroy everything he's built.

The Man of Average

Forty-year-old Mike Wheeler's ordinary life in Hawkins is shattered when his famous ex-boyfriend Will Byers - now a wealthy porn star and activist - invites his family to spend summer on his private island. Trapped between his dissatisfied marriage, unresolved feelings for Will, and his teenage son's disturbing infatuation with his former lover, Mike must navigate a web of desire, regret, and dangerous temptation that threatens to destroy everything he's built.

The warm Caribbean breeze carries the scent of saltwater as I stand on the patio of Will's island villa, clutching a glass of whisky. Will's laugh echoes from the pool area where he's teaching my daughter Julie to swim. It's been three days since we arrived at Islavadora, Will's private paradise that feels worlds away from my cramped house in Hawkins.

I should be relaxed, enjoying this luxury my family could never afford. Instead, my chest tightens watching Will interact with my children - particularly Nate. My 15-year-old son has been practically glued to Will since we arrived, his eyes following Will's every move with an intensity that makes my skin crawl.

The sliding door opens behind me. "Mind some company?" Will's voice sends a familiar shiver down my spine.

I turn to find him shirtless, wearing only swim trunks, his tanned torso glistening with pool water. The years have been kind to him - kinder than they've been to me. Where I've developed a paunch and graying temples, Will remains toned, his body a canvas for new tattoos I've never seen.

"Just thinking," I say, too quickly taking a sip of my drink.

Will leans against the railing beside me, his arm brushing mine. The contact sends electricity through me despite my best efforts to remain detached. "About what?" he asks, his voice lower than necessary.

I nod toward the pool where Nate is now sitting beside Ravi, pointedly not looking our way but clearly listening. "About how different our lives turned out," I say carefully.

Will studies me, his green eyes penetrating. "Is that all?" There's a challenge in his tone, an unspoken question hanging between us.

Before I can respond, Nate stands abruptly. "I'm going to my room," he announces, not meeting anyone's eyes as he hurries inside.

Will frowns slightly, seemingly oblivious to what I see so clearly. "Kids," he says with a half-laugh.

I finish my drink in one swallow, the alcohol burning my throat. The tension between us is palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. After all these years, we're right back where we started - wanting what we can't have.