Henry and Holly in “Unfinished Business”

You still thinking about your parents?

Yeah.

They are in the very best possible hands, Holly, I assure you. And I’m told that they are improving with each hour that passes. As soon as they’re healed, they’ll join us here.

I… I know. It’s just…

You wish to be with them. I understand. But you cannot offer them comfort in Hawkins, Holly. The only comfort they have is knowing you are here, safe. With me. Safe from the monsters. I thought blackberries might cheer you up a little. They’re your favorite, aren’t they?

How did you know? That they’re my favorite?

Oh, it’s, uh… It’s just a hunch. I’m good with hunches. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll make chocolate chip pancakes. He loves those.

Who does?

Your classmate, Derek.

Derek is coming here?

You don’t like Derek very much, do you? Should I just let the monsters eat him?

No. No, you can’t… you can’t do that.

Well, how about this? I will tell Derek that if he misbehaves, or if he hurts you in any way, I will send him right back, and he can face those monsters on his own. How does that sound? [chuckles]

I expect to be gone most of the day. While I’m out, you’ll have the whole house all to yourself.

The whole house?

Everything which is mine is yours. But in return, I need you to promise me one thing. Something very important. Do you think you can do that?

Yeah.

You must never, under any circumstance, go out into the woods. Do you understand?

Is that where the monsters live?

[nods] But they won’t find you. That is, as long as you don’t–

Don’t try to find them.

You know, I’m very glad I saved you first. You’re the brightest of them all. Oh, and if you don’t mind, bring my mail in, won’t you?

[laughs] How did you know?

A hunch.