Joyce becomes convinced that Will is communicating with her through the electrical lights in their home. She hangs Christmas lights around the house and paints the alphabet on the living room wall, allowing Will to spell out messages. When he warns her to run, a terrifying creature begins emerging through the wall, forcing her to flee. Meanwhile, Hopper investigates Hawkins Laboratory and grows suspicious after discovering inconsistencies in its security footage and uncovering information about secret government experiments. Nancy becomes increasingly worried about Barb, who has disappeared after their night at Steve's house. After discovering a photograph taken by Jonathan, Nancy searches the area around Steve's pool and encounters a frightening figure in the woods. Meanwhile, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas continue trying to understand Eleven's connection to Will, while Eleven insists that he is still alive. However, their hopes are shattered when emergency crews recover what appears to be Will's body from the quarry. Mike, believing Eleven has lied to him, angrily confronts her before returning home devastated.

​