The summer of 1986 arrives hot and restless in Hawkins, and Lorelei Henderson, 17, is determined to enjoy the freedom she earned after graduating Hawkins High. With no school left to anchor her, she takes a lifeguard job at the Hawkins Community Pool—long shifts under the sun, loud music crackling over the speakers, and the promise of a summer that finally feels like her own. As Dustin Henderson’s older sister, she’s never far from his world; Dustin is 15 now, and so are his friends Mike, Will, and Lucas, who suddenly see Lorelei as more than just someone’s cool older sister. Each of them harbors a not-so-subtle crush, trailing after her during arcade nights, bike rides, and spontaneous drives through town.